The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo has reaffirmed GSA’s dedication to addressing challenges traders face in their operations to create a more cost-effective business environment for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders in the international trade ecosystem. He urged the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to support GSA’s effort in that regard, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to accomplishing that mission swiftly.
Prof. Gyampo made these remarks on Wednesday, 18th February 2025, during a courtesy call on him at the Shippers’ House in Accra by the Executive of GUTA.
A key issue raised by GUTA during the interaction was the high cost of doing business in Ghana, particularly the arbitrary charges imposed by some Shipping Lines operating within the country.
In response to the concern, Prof. Gyampo assured the traders that the issue is a top priority on his agenda. He revealed that he has already engaged with some Shipping Lines to seek lasting solutions to the problem, and would ensure that, all parties work collaboratively to deal with the challenge conclusively, in the interest of Ghana, and for the industry to thrive. He said; “it is our mandate to ensure a conducive and thriving commercial shipping industry that enables Ghana to earn the revenue due her, whilst guaranteeing sustainable businesses for all players, and we are poised to do just that.”
Prof. Gyampo added that, “the GSA Act 2024, (Act 1122) is designed to address these concerns, and would be enforced strictly, without let or hindrance to enable it to achieve the objectives for which it was passed.” He further assured GUTA that, work on the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to aid the regulation of Act 1122 (2024) is progressing with dispatch and would soon be put before Parliament for its consideration. He entreated them to ensure that, any input they may want to make is submitted in good time.
The First Vice President of GUTA, Mr. Clement Boateng, who spoke on behalf of the delegation expressed satisfaction with the assurances given by Prof. Gyampo. He reaffirmed their belief in the potency of Act 1122 (2024), which he described as fit for purpose, and called on the rank and file of GUTA to lend their full support to GSA. He further called for utmost cooperation with GSA as they work to reform the international trade ecosystem to make trading more cost-effective.
