The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the trading community as part of efforts to position Ghana as a leading multimodal shipping hub in the West African sub-region.
This commitment was highlighted at the High Value Shippers (Platinum) Engagement Forum held in Accra on Thursday, June 4, 2026, which brought together major importers, exporters, manufacturers, and key industry stakeholders to deliberate on challenges affecting the shipping and logistics sector and explore practical solutions to improve trade efficiency.
Participants included representatives from organisations such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Armed Forces, Nestlé Ghana, Cargill, Olam, CIMAF Cement, Ghacem Cement, Guinness Ghana Limited, B5 Plus, Blue Skies, and Duraplast.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation, Mrs. Monica Josiah, stressed the Authority’s dedication to building stronger partnerships within the shipping value chain and supporting the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
She noted that the forum served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on key challenges confronting shippers and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in addressing them.
Mrs. Josiah also acknowledged the critical role of high-value shippers in national development, highlighting their contributions to trade expansion, industrial growth, job creation, and government revenue generation.
However, she noted that the global shipping industry continues to face disruptions, including rising freight costs, port congestion, container shortages, fluctuating exchange rates, and geopolitical tensions, all of which increase pressure on businesses.
She added that Ghanaian shippers are also burdened by high port charges, demurrage costs, clearance delays, insurance issues, and limited transparency across the logistics chain.
“These concerns require collaborative solutions from all stakeholders. Sustainable progress can only be achieved through cooperation and dialogue,” she said.
Mrs. Josiah reiterated GSA’s mandate under Act 1122 (2024) to regulate shipping-related charges and protect the interests of shippers while ensuring an efficient and competitive trade environment.
She also urged stakeholders to remain competitive in light of global changes driven by digitalization, sustainability demands, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), encouraging unregistered shippers to register with the Authority ahead of anticipated fee adjustments.
A key highlight of the forum was a presentation on the Container Administrative Charge. A GSA official explained that the Authority, after reviewing regional benchmarks, found Ghana’s charge significantly higher than those in countries such as Nigeria and Togo.
The review process led to a reduction of the charge to GHC 550 per TEU, although the Minister for Transport later directed that it be adjusted to GHC 720 per TEU pending further stakeholder consultations.
Representatives from the Ghana Standards Authority also briefed participants on planned reforms to improve the certification and verification of weighing and measuring devices at the ports, aimed at enhancing transparency and accuracy in commercial operations.
During discussions, stakeholders raised concerns about high demurrage charges and the impact of digital systems such as the Ghana Revenue Authority’s AI-based import declaration vetting tool, which some claimed had led to increased costs. They called for continuous engagement and periodic reviews to ensure fairness and efficiency.
In his closing remarks, GSA Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations), Mr. Prince Henry Ankrah, thanked participants for their contributions and assured them that the Authority would address the concerns raised in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He reaffirmed GSA’s commitment to building a transparent, competitive, and efficient shipping environment that supports national economic growth and trade facilitation.
The forum forms part of GSA’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at improving compliance, fostering collaboration, and strengthening Ghana’s shipping and logistics ecosystem.
Source: 3news
