As part of a series of official engagements to familiarize himself with key stakeholders, foster collaboration, and address persistent bottlenecks at Ghana’s ports, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, visited the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier-General Zibrim Ayorogo. The meeting, a key part of Prof. Gyampo’s stakeholder engagement tour, focused on aligning strategies to lower the cost of doing business at the country’s ports.
In their interaction, Prof. Gyampo emphasized the urgency of reducing trade-related expenses, insisting that President John Mahama’s commitment to lowering business costs must result in swift and practical reforms. He highlighted the need to balance revenue mobilization, trade facilitation, and affordability, arguing that inefficiencies in the system directly burden consumers and stifles economic growth. “When the cost of doing business rises, the end consumer suffers, triggering a ripple effect throughout the economy,” he warned.
Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of Operations, and Mr. Charles Sey, Eastern Zonal Manager, who accompanied the CEO, outlined the challenges confronting shippers, which included the frequent breakdown of scanners at the ports, and the resultant delays as well as avoidable demurrage fees. They also called for greater transparency in the management of the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL), highlighting the inefficiencies in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) that places unfair burden on shippers. “We have experienced persistent scanner malfunctions at the port, leading to delays. Managing the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL) must become more transparent. Additionally, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) has presented challenges that unfairly impact shippers,” Mr. Sey stated. They added that, GSA had already initiated steps to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at the ports to help in the streamlining of operations at the ports, with the active participation of GRA Customs.
On his part, the Acting Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ohene, affirmed the full support of the GRA Customs in the development and commissioning of the SOPs. He expressed confidence that these measures would significantly improve trade facilitation and lower costs for shippers.
The Commissioner, Brigadier-General Zibrim Ayorogo, reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating efficiency in operations at the port: “The faster goods move, the better.”
He stressed that the SOPs would define each stakeholder’s role clearly, and so are critical. “We may have attempted this before, but this time, we must be honest with ourselves and establish realistic SOPs that hold each of us accountable in ensuring trade facilitation and the lowering of the cost of doing business at the ports”, he said.
Regarding scanner malfunctions, he assured the team that, additional scanners are being procured, alongside the deployment of mobile scanners, to resolve the issue completely.
Additionally, he announced plans for a conference that would involve government Agencies and stakeholders in the port, shipping, and logistics sectors to discuss the implementation of the 24-hour economy. The conference will establish clear roles for all participants to enhance port efficiency.
Brigadier-General also applauded Prof. Ransford Gyampo’s appointment, expressing confidence in the GSA CEO’s experience and forthright approach in championing shippers’ interests.
Prof. Gyampo expressed gratitude to the GRA for the warm reception and the commitment to collaboration in tackling challenges that confront the sector.
