SHIPPERS' accusations of illegitimate and arbitrary charges imposed by shipping lines operating in Ghana are completely unfounded, said the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG), reports Accra's Business & Financial Times.

"In shipping, when a shipper approaches a shipping line, there's a dialogue, an offer, and conditions that are agreed upon," said SOAAG executive Adam Imoro Ayarna.

But the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) disputes this and has lobbied the Government of Ghana for a fairer deal.

SOAAG also denied accusations that shipping lines are charging in US dollars, which would contravene Ghanaian regulations.

"There is a difference between pegging something in dollars and charging in dollars. The law in Ghana is clear: all transactions must be invoiced in Ghanaian cedis," said Mr Ayarna.