By: Samuel Asamoah

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has welcomed the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) decision to suspend the implementation of the proposed Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) regime for imported vehicles into Ghana.

GIFF described the suspension as a positive and responsive decision that provides an opportunity for further consultation between the GSA and stakeholders in the freight forwarding and shipping industry.

In a statement issued in Accra on October 7, 2026, GIFF President Stephen Adjokatcher said the Institute appreciates the GSA for listening to concerns raised by industry stakeholders and taking steps to allow further engagement on the proposed regime.

The Institute stressed that policies and regulatory measures affecting the movement and clearance of goods at Ghana’s ports should be developed and implemented through meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders.

According to GIFF, freight forwarders, as key actors in the international trade and customs clearance chain, support measures aimed at promoting safety, standards, efficiency, transparency and revenue mobilisation.

It, however, said such measures should not create unnecessary burdens for importers and other stakeholders.

GIFF said the suspension creates an opportunity for continued dialogue towards establishing a “practical, efficient and sustainable framework” for the inspection and certification of imported vehicles.

GIFF commends Transport Minister

The freight forwarders’ association also expressed appreciation to the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for his intervention in the matter.

GIFF said its leadership had appealed to the Minister to intervene after concerns were raised over the proposed vehicle inspection regime.

According to the Institute, the Minister’s engagement helped bring the concerns of freight forwarders and other stakeholders to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

GIFF described the intervention as an indication of the importance of constructive engagement between government and industry on policies that have implications for Ghana’s trade and logistics environment.

GIFF ready for further consultations

The Institute reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the GSA, Ministry of Transport, other government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop a regulatory system that achieves its intended objectives without creating unnecessary obstacles to legitimate trade.

GIFF said it remains committed to promoting an efficient, transparent and business-friendly port and freight forwarding environment capable of supporting Ghana’s economic development.

The Institute said it looks forward to further consultations with the relevant authorities and stakeholders on the way forward.

It again expressed gratitude to the GSA for suspending the proposed implementation and to the Transport Minister for what it described as his timely intervention.

The statement was signed by Stephen Adjokatcher, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders and Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).