The Ghana Shippers Authority marked Friday, November 29, 2024 as a celebration of over 50 years of dedicated service in promoting and protecting the interests of Ghanaian shippers in the maritime industry.
The Golden Jubilee Celebration, themed ’50 Years of Excellence in Shipping and Logistics: Dedication, Innovation, and Service in the Shipping Industry,’ highlighted the Authority’s achievements and contributions to the sector.
Building on this milestone, the Authority called for the establishment of a sustainable and robust shipping environment that fosters international trade while ensuring fairness, efficiency, and competitiveness for all stakeholders in the commercial shipping industry.
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, speaking at the authority’s celebration of fifty years of operations, described GSA as a body which has played an active role in the economic development of Ghana. “In executing its mandate of representing the interest of shippers in Ghana, the authority has played a critical role in interfacing between shippers, shipping services providers and government. The authority’s role in facilitating international trade, reducing costs, and ensuring the the protection of shippers’ interests is well known to all in the industry.”
His remarks were closely followed by a projected analysis of the progress GSA has made over the years since 1974, highlighting the remarkable transformations which have taken place in the authority’s mode of operations.
The latest advance made by the authority, being the passing of the Ghana Shippers Authority Act (Act 1122) on July 29, 2024, which was subsequently assented to by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Asiamah commended all staff and stakeholders for the efforts put into bringing the GSA this far and called for an increased commitment to for the benefit of the industry. “We need to look to fostering sustainable growth, promoting green shipping practices, and strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally. The next 50 years present an opportunity for you to build on this enviable legacy, transform the authority into a world-class organization that does not meet the needs of today alone but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.”
Ms. Stella Wilson, Board Chairperson of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), emphasized the Authority’s unwavering commitment to the principle of transparency in all its operations.
“Our governance framework enables us to embrace innovation while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards. We have cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, where innovation is encouraged, and compliance is non-negotiable,” she stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Mr. Kwesi Baffour Okyere Sarpong, highlighted that the passage of the Ghana Shippers Authority Act 2024 has enhanced the Authority’s ability to regulate the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers. He added that the Act promotes fairness and equitable practices while ensuring competitive fees and charges across the shipping value chain.
Mr. Sarpong further noted that the GSA was recently honored as the “Public Sector Company of the Year” and the “Trade Facilitation Company of the Year” at the 7th Ghana Business Awards, reaffirming its leadership in the shipping industry.
The Ghana Shippers Authority, established under the National Redemption Council Decree (NRCD) 254 in April 1974, is mandated to protect and promote the interests of shippers in Ghana.
The Authority aims to foster a competitive, transparent, and predictable commercial shipping industry in Ghana, delivering value to shippers across all modes of transport.
