As a sign of reinforcing government’s determination to ensure that Ghana continues to remain the preferred commercial shipping hub in the sub region , Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe on Monday, 24th February 2025, paid a working visit to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA). His mission: to engage leadership, motivate staff, and gain firsthand insight into GSA’s operations at a critical juncture of regulatory reform.
Flanked by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mrs. Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials, Hon. Nikpe was received by GSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, alongside key figures from Corporate Affairs and HR & Administration. The meeting set the stage for high-level discussions on the implementation of the recently enacted GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) and its implications for the country’s commercial shipping landscape.
During the visit, Professor Gyampo provided a brief history of the GSA and emphasized the significance of enacting the new GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) to regulate Ghana’s commercial shipping industry. He noted that the previous legislation, NRCD 254, which had governed the sector for fifty years, was outdated and no longer equipped to address the evolving dynamics of international trade.
“The core objective of the new legislation is to tackle key challenges hindering trade and to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana. The framers of the law envisioned a commercial shipping environment that is fair, efficient, and competitive, fostering international trade and protecting industry players,” he explained.
He further highlighted that the GSA’s mandate has been expanded to safeguard the interests of both shippers and shipping service providers in a manner that enhances and facilitates international trade.
“Without trade, the country cannot progress. Our efforts to combat poverty and underdevelopment will be in vain if we do not strengthen trade relations among nations. We cannot pursue the government’s “Reset” agenda while our trading partners consider relocating due to high charges and deliberate inefficiencies by some service providers, which cause unnecessary delays aimed at imposing demurrage charges on shippers. Such practices should not be part of the reset agenda,” he asserted.
He also revealed that the GSA is in the process of drafting a Legislative Instrument (LI) to guide the operationalization of Act 1122 (2024), assuring that its enforcement will protect all stakeholders while prioritizing the welfare of Ghanaians.
In response, Minister Nikpe reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the GSA in fully implementing the new law.
“The GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) is crucial in enhancing efficiency, promoting transparency, and strengthening the regulatory framework of Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector. As the Ministry of Transport, we give you our firm assurance that we will support you in implementing and operationalizing the Act. I will personally oversee its parliamentary processes to ensure its full execution,” he pledged.
He, however, urged the GSA to take into account the concerns of all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaboration to facilitate a seamless and effective implementation of the law. This, he noted, would create a more conducive business environment for all involved.
Professor Gyampo assured the Minister that he had the full backing of the GSA’s Management and staff. He added that GSA had aligned its plans and programs with the government’s Reset agenda, which prioritizes economic growth.
