The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) have renewed calls for more transparent and deeper engagement in a bid to understand each other and strengthen the commercial shipping sector in Ghana, enhance trade, and create a more conducive business environment.
The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) Prof. Ransford Gyampo, during a meeting with SOAAG, stressed the importance of continuous engagement and data-sharing across all maritime stakeholders, including shipping lines, port authorities, and government agencies.
“We must listen to each other more and find a middle ground to address our challenges,” he stated. “The GSA’s role is not to take sides. We are referees in this space – here to ensure fairness and protect the broader interest of Ghana’s commercial shipping sector.”
Cost of Doing Business
A key concern raised by SOAAG was the rising cost of doing business in the country’s shipping sector. The group cautioned against blaming shipping lines alone for high charges, stating that multiple actors contribute to cost build-up across the supply chain. The Vice President of SOAAG, Adam Imoru Ayarna, noted that many cost elements are outside the shipping lines’ control, including those imposed by various state agencies, the burden of extra cost such as cargo destruction costs and auctioned cargo without recourse to shippers and SOAAG. All of these, he said, lead to cost build-up. “We need to work together, share accurate information, and hold each other accountable.” he stressed.
Efficiency and Transparency
Both parties also called for improved efficiency among state agencies in the commercial shipping ecosystem to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance operational performance.
All parties agreed to a fresh commitment to cooperation, regular dialogue, and a shared vision to make Ghana a competitive commercial shipping hub in West Africa.
