The shipping and logistics industry is the lifeblood of global trade—an intricate network that ensures the seamless flow of goods across continents, connecting businesses, nations, and economies. In Ghana, this sector is not merely a cog in the wheel; it is a driving force, an engine that powers the nation’s economy and secures its position on the global stage. As vital as it is, however, the industry requires more than just functionality; it demands transformative leadership—leaders who possess the vision, energy, passion and strategic acumen to navigate the complex tides of commerce and policy.
When Kwesi Baffour Sarpong was appointed by His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in November 2023 to lead the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), few could have predicted the scale of impact he would make. From the very first day of his tenure, Sarpong injected the GSA with an electrifying energy—driven by a bold vision for Ghana’s shipping industry, and manifested through a clear strategy for reform, and an unyielding belief in excellence. His approach was not just about doing things differently; it was about doing things better—creating a legacy that would withstand operational challenges and the test of time; and elevate the standing of Ghana on the scene of global trade.
Sarpong’s drive quickly became apparent as he set in motion a series of high-impact reforms and infrastructural developments. The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act 2024 (Act 1122), a cornerstone achievement, stands as a testament to his visionary thinking. This groundbreaking legislation, which amended the 50-year-old Establishment Law (NRCD 254) of the GSA, redefines the regulatory landscape of Ghana’s shipping sector. Its passage was propelled by tremendous support from both Parliament and the Ministry of Transport, whose collaboration ensured the Act’s swift enactment. The new law establishes clear frameworks to govern commercial shipping activities, eliminate unfair practices at ports and borders, and create a competitive environment that benefits all stakeholders.
By enhancing the regulatory mandate over transit shipping, the amended law ensures greater efficiency across the logistics chain, providing a more transparent, efficient, and competitive platform for trade.
Sarpong’s vision, however, extended far beyond legal reforms. Under his leadership, infrastructure was revolutionized. The Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), one of the most ambitious projects in the country’s logistics history, was brought to life with Phase 1 nearing completion ‘, and estimated to be completed by the end of the first quarter of the year. This vital terminal promises to reshape the logistics landscape of the northern half of the country, improving road networks, storage facilities, and security zones to bolster the country’s trade capacity, especially with its landlocked neighbors, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. With full operations projected by 2026, BILT will be a game-changer for the region and for Ghana’s overall trade efficiency.
Simultaneously, Sarpong championed the perfection of land documentation to pave the way for the commencement of works for the Akatakyiwa Freight Park Project, strategically located at Yamoransa junction in the Central region, along the Accra-Takoradi highway. This ambitious project is designed to cater to both transit cargo destined for landlocked countries and cargo flowing between Ghana’s southern and western regions. With truck parks, driver accommodations, restaurants, and workshops, it will serve as a vital hub for logistics services, enhancing Ghana’s standing as a trade facilitator in the region.
Sarpong’s leadership was not just about bold infrastructural projects or legislative triumphs—it was also about institutional growth and adapting to global industry trends. By the time the GSA marked its 50th anniversary, he spearheaded a major revisioning and repositioning initiative that realigned its mandate, vision, and mission with global standards of modern commercial shipping. By streamlining the internal operations of GSA, and fostering greater collaboration with stakeholders of the sector, Sarpong laid a solid foundation for the GSA to adapt to the evolving dynamics of global trade. His commitment to building a culture of effective modern corporate governance, efficiency and service excellence has transformed the GSA into a model institution—one that serves as a beacon of professionalism in the industry.
Deservingly, His leadership has not gone unnoticed. Under his stewardship, the GSA earned the prestigious titles of Public Sector Company of the Year 2024 and Trade Facilitation Company of the Year 2024 at the Ghana Business Awards. These accolades are a reflection of the Authority’s extraordinary contributions to the shipping and logistics sector, and they stand as a testament to Sarpong’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Kwesi Baffour Sarpong moves on to pursue other interests, he leaves behind an institution that has been fundamentally reshaped and elevated to global standards of excellence. His successor, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, inherits not just an organization, but a legacy of transformation—one driven by vision, exposure, efficiency, and unwavering transparency. Under Sarpong’s leadership, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has evolved into a resilient, future-focused institution, primed to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of global trade and logistics. His tenure is a testament to his deep belief in service, embodied in his favorite maxim: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori—”It is a very admirable thing to die for one’s country.”
