The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is undergoing a major institutional transformation following the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), with Chief Executive Officer Prof. Ransford Gyampo outlining strict discipline measures, aggressive cost-reduction reforms and clear strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond.

Addressing management staff at the 32nd Management Workshop of the Authority at Hephzibah Christian Limited in Peduase, Prof. Gyampo said the new law has fundamentally changed the role of the Authority, expanding it from a facilitative body into a regulator of the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers across sea, air and land transport.

“The passage of Act 1122 in 2024 ushered in a new regulatory architecture for the Authority,” he said, adding that the transformation demands “a heightened level of institutional discipline, coordination, and professionalism.”

Cost-cutting and regulatory push

Prof. Gyampo said the Authority has already begun asserting its expanded mandate through targeted regulatory interventions to reduce the cost of doing business for shippers.

Among the key measures, he said, is a Bank of Ghana directive secured by the Authority to address inconsistencies in the application of foreign exchange rates by shipping service providers. The GSA has also approved a new charge for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for the handling of heavy-duty equipment, while securing the deferment of the Minerals Commission’s proposed USD250 charge on each imported earth-moving equipment.

The Authority further disapproved a proposed increase in cargo handling charges by ground handlers at the Kotoka International Airport.

“We have proposed a significant reduction in the Container Administrative Fees charged by shipping lines,” Prof. Gyampo said, noting that the intervention is projected to save shippers “over USD 100 million annually” once fully implemented after stakeholder consultations.

He also said proposals have been submitted to reform the application of disinfection and fumigation charges at the ports, including phasing out blanket fumigation and introducing a sunset clause to limit the exercise to identified risks, in line with government policy to reduce the cost of doing business.

Infrastructure and logistics development

On infrastructure, Prof. Gyampo said work on key logistics projects continued during the year, with the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reaching 85 per cent completion of Phase One by August 2025.

“We have secured the requisite approval to maintain the BILT contractor and the consultants at the project site through the payment of some agreed sums,” he said, while efforts continue to secure a private sector partner.

Construction has also commenced on the Akatekyiwa Freight Park, with preparatory works advancing for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres at Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu and Gonokrom, alongside planning for the Tema Shippers Centre.

Discipline and accountability

Prof. Gyampo struck a firm tone on internal discipline, warning that there would be “zero tolerance for laxity in all its forms,” including lateness, laziness, gossip and the circulation of unfounded rumours.

“These behaviours are corrosive; they undermine discipline, erode trust, and sabotage every genuine effort to build a focused, goal-driven organisation,” he said.

He also criticised what he described as the entrenched “government-work attitude,” calling it “a relic of a colonial past” with no place in a modern public institution striving for excellence.

Strategic focus and challenges

Despite the progress, Prof. Gyampo acknowledged ongoing challenges, including inadequate funding, escalating port costs due to inefficiencies and fragmented inter-agency coordination.

He said the Authority’s work would be aligned with key government priorities, including port fee rationalisation, the 24-Hour Economy initiative, trade facilitation and export promotion, infrastructure development under the “Big Push” agenda, port digitisation, exchange rate stability through GoldBod and the promotion of intra-African trade under AfCFTA.

Looking ahead, he outlined six strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond, including institutional excellence and human capital development, reduction of shipping-related costs, accelerated logistics infrastructure development, stronger regional and international partnerships, digital transformation and the passage and implementation of the GSA Legislative Instrument.

Leadership commitment

Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong and effective regulator that “forcefully and fairly protects the interests of all within the shipping enclave as enshrined in the GSA Act, 2024.”

He also praised the Governing Board of the Authority, constituted six months ago, describing it as “phenomenal and supportive,” and expressed confidence that with agreed performance indicators and strategic direction, the Authority would deliver on the government’s broader reset agenda in the shipping industry.

The workshop ended with a call for renewed focus, unity of purpose and professionalism as the Authority prepares for the 2026 operational year.