A visiting Nigerian delegation has praised the collaborative spirit across Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector, describing it as a model that could drive substantial growth throughout West Africa.
The delegation, which included officials from the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, was in Ghana for a week-long fact-finding mission. Facilitated by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), the visit aimed to share ideas and experiences, strengthen ties, and promote trade facilitation within the sub-region.
During the mission, the Nigerian officials engaged directly with key players in Ghana’s shipping and logistics ecosystem, including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Meridian Port Services (MPS), the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG), and the Committee of Freight Forwarders Associations (CoFFA).
The delegation toured Tema Port’s Terminals 1 and 2, managed by GPHA, as well as MPS Terminal 3. During their engagement, SOAAG Executive Member Adamu Imoru Ayana provided the visitors with an overview of the operations of shipping lines in Ghana, highlighting the efficiency measures and regulatory frameworks that have shaped their work.
On the freight forwarding side, industry leaders used the opportunity to advocate for stronger collaboration. Stephen Adjokatcher, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), and Nana Fredua Ofori Atta, President of the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), stressed the need for a unified regional voice against arbitrary charges by shipping lines. They noted that such charges increase the cost of doing business and undermine competitiveness.
The leaders welcomed the visit as timely, coming on the heels of the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which is expected to address the long-standing issue of arbitrary charges. They also urged the Nigerian delegation to include freight forwarders in future missions to Ghana to ensure a broader industry perspective.
Sarumi Jelili Adesina, leader of the Nigerian delegation, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s high level of inter-agency collaboration. He commended the GSA for its proactive role in protecting the interests of shippers, stating that the cooperation between regulators and freight forwarders provides a sense of assurance to traders.
Both sides resolved to deepen collaboration with a shared vision of building a resilient shipping ecosystem that will support trade and economic growth along the West African coastline.
