Tema High Court slaps shipping lines with GH¢ 54,000 for filing defence out of time

The Tema High Court has fined 18 shipping lines GH¢54,000. This fine is for filing their defense late. The case was brought by Johnny Mantey, the Tema District Chair of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders.

Mantey filed the lawsuit on January 21, 2025. He was represented by lawyer Noah Adamtey. Mantey accused the shipping lines of violating the Shipping Authority Act 1122. This act requires them to submit service charges to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for approval.

The defendants made a conditional appearance on January 31, 2025. However, they did not request to strike out the writ within 14 days. Their conditional appearance then became unconditional. Still, they failed to file a defense within another required 14 days.

Due to this delay, Mantey filed a motion on March 14, 2025. He sought a judgment in default of defense. The court set a hearing date for March 27, 2025.

At the hearing, Mantey's lawyers withdrew the motion, and the court accepted it. Justice Cynthia Wiredu presided over the case and awarded GH¢54,000 against the defendants for their late filing.

Lawyer Noah Adamtey stated that Mantey will respond to the defense soon. After that, the case will continue as planned.