By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Tema, Oct. 7, GNA — The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has commended the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for suspending the implementation of the proposed Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) regime for imported vehicles into Ghana.
The institute said the decision would provide an opportunity for further engagement and consultation with stakeholders within the freight forwarding and shipping community.
In a press release signed by its President, Mr Stephen Adjokatcher, GIFF said policies and regulatory measures affecting the movement and clearance of goods at Ghana’s ports should be developed and implemented through meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
It said freight forwarders, as key actors in the international trade and customs clearance chain, remained committed to supporting measures that promoted safety, standards, efficiency, transparency and revenue mobilisation while avoiding unnecessary burdens on importers and other stakeholders.
The institute said it was particularly grateful for the opportunity created by the suspension to engage the authorities and stakeholders towards developing a practical, efficient and sustainable framework for the inspection and certification of imported vehicles.
GIFF also expressed appreciation to the Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for his intervention in the matter.
It said following concerns raised by the institute and its subsequent appeal to the minister to intervene, his engagement had contributed significantly to bringing the concerns to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
The institute said it was grateful for the minister’s responsiveness and commitment to ensuring that concerns of freight forwarders and other stakeholders within the transport and logistics sector received the necessary attention.
GIFF described the intervention as a demonstration of the importance of constructive engagement between government and industry in addressing matters with implications for Ghana’s trade and logistics environment.
It reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the GSA, Ministry of Transport, other relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop a system that achieved the desired regulatory objectives without creating unnecessary obstacles to legitimate trade.
It added that it remained committed to promoting an efficient, transparent and business-friendly port and freight forwarding environment to support Ghana’s economic development.
GIFF said it looked forward to further consultations with the relevant authorities and stakeholders on the way forward.
GNA
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor nunoo
Email: [email protected]