Gyampo leads major achievements at Ghana Shippers’ Authority

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has marked significant achievements in its first year under the stewardship of its new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ransford Gyampo, as highlighted during the 32nd Management Workshop held at Hephzibah Christian Limited, Peduase.

In his address, the CEO credited the Authority’s progress to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of staff across all departments, noting that teamwork and disciplined execution have been central to the Authority’s accomplishments.

Among the notable achievements reported:

• Regulatory and Financial Interventions: The Authority secured a Bank of Ghana directive to address inconsistencies in foreign exchange rates applied by shipping service providers and approved a new charge for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for handling heavy-duty equipment.
• It also successfully deferred a proposed USD 250 charge on imported earth-moving equipment by the Minerals Commission and disapproved an increase in cargo handling fees at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
• Cost Reduction Measures: The GSA proposed a significant reduction in Container Administrative Fees charged by shipping lines, a move projected to save shippers over USD 100 million annually. Additionally, proposals to phase out blanket fumigation of all cargo, while limiting charges to high-risk items, are expected to lower operational costs at the ports.
• Legislative and Policy Progress: The Authority developed and submitted a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to the Ministry of Transport, advancing the full implementation of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which expanded GSA’s mandate to regulate commercial activities across sea, air, and land transport.
• Infrastructure Development: Key infrastructure projects progressed significantly. Phase 1 of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reached 85% completion by August 2025. Construction commenced on the Akatekyiwa Freight Park, while preparatory works continued for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres at Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu, and Gonokrom. Planning also advanced for the development of the Tema Shippers Centre.
• Awards and Recognition: The Authority received eight distinguished awards during the period, reflecting its operational and institutional excellence.

Dr Gyampo also outlined ongoing challenges, including limited funding for projects, escalating costs at ports, and fragmented inter-agency coordination.

He emphasized that addressing these issues will require systemic reforms, improve internal processes, and enhance regulatory engagement.

Looking ahead, six strategic priorities were identified for 2026 and beyond: institutional excellence and human capital development, reduction of shipping-related costs, logistics infrastructure development, regional and international partnerships, digital transformation and trade facilitation, and the passage and implementation of the GSA Legislative Instrument.

The CEO affirmed his commitment to ensuring the Authority evolves into a strong and effective regulator that protects the interests of all stakeholders within the shipping sector.

He also praised the newly constituted Governing Board for its support and strategic guidance over the past six months.

The GSA’s 32nd Management Workshop served as a platform to review progress, align strategies, and reinforce the Authority’s commitment to operational efficiency, professionalism, and excellence in service delivery.