The President of the Ghana Union Traders Association, Dr Joseph Obeng has expressed his disappointment in shipping lines for not complying with the directives given by the Transport Minister to halt all demaurages and rent charges on cargos.

This follows a statement issued on April, 16th by GUTA appealing to government to compel shipping lines and GPHA to waive demaurage and rent charges on cargo during the lockdown period, since the movement of shippers in a bid to clear their goods might compromise the fight to curb the spread of the covid19.

According to GUTA, none of the directives given by the Government and the Minister to halt all demaurages and rent charges on cargos has been conformed to by the shipping lines during and after the lockdown.

“you know clearing your goods is a process and not an event. Since we have to pass through a process but the rent charges were so much so we called on the government to help and yes he listened to our plight. The transport minister came in to give his directives. But the shipping lines are saying that they have to have shipping clearance from their principals abroad with all manner of excuses.”

“This means that the governments directives are not been obeyed and is creating a lot of problems for the trading community”

The President noted that though the shipping lines are not complying, the Association will continue to engage the government to compel all shipping lines in obeying the directives given.

Dr Obeng further called on government to sanction any shipping line that does not comply with the directives.

“Is very unfortunate the attitude of the shipping lines. We are not in normal times. Companies outside Ghana are even given concessions. When you come to Ghana they are being wicked and is very bad on their part. That at this time they cannot do anything for their clients.”

He again called on all shipping lines to learn from other countries in supporting their clients during these hard times.

He urged its members to be patient as they continue to solve the challenges at hand for easy and smooth transaction of their businesses.

“don’t also forget that some countries also gave this directive and they are doing it. India did it and we can also do it. We do not need to suffer because we’ve lost a lot already. So they should please listen to our plight “he said.