This decision was made after the plaintiff and freight forwarder, John Mantey, withdrew the motion for judgment in default of defense but requested that costs be awarded against the defendants for their delayed submission during a court sitting on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
With the defendants now having officially filed their defense, the case is set to proceed to trial, where the court will determine the legality of the contested charges.
The lawsuit challenges several unauthorised charges imposed by shipping lines and agents in Ghana, which, according to freight forwarders, were in violation of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, Act 1122 (2024).
Below are the specific reliefs Mantey is seeking:Declaration of Illegality of Unapproved Fees
Mantey asserts that the imposition of fees not approved by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority constitutes a violation of Ghanaian law.
The lawsuit calls for a ruling to declare such fees illegal and to prohibit their future implementation.
Prohibition of Counting Weekends and Holidays for Demurrage
Shipping lines’ practice of counting weekends and public holidays as part of the demurrage period is described as unjust and unlawful. The legal action seeks an end to this practice, which adds undue financial pressure on the trading public.
Refund of Illegally Collected Charges
Johnny Mantey is demanding the refund of all monies collected through these unapproved and allegedly illegal charges. He contends that customers have been unfairly burdened, and justice requires restitution.
This legal action comes in the wake of growing dissatisfaction within the trade community regarding the pricing and operational practices of shipping lines in Ghana.
The frustrations reached a tipping point on September 24, 2024, when industry stakeholders staged a massive protest to voice their grievances.
This was followed by a three-day picket from November 6 to 8, 2024, at the offices of various shipping lines, underscoring the collective determination of stakeholders to demand accountability.
