The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has recorded significant regulatory, financial and infrastructure milestones within nine months of Prof. Ransford Gyampo assuming office as Chief Executive Officer, positioning the Authority as a stronger and more assertive regulator in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.

Speaking at the 32nd Management Workshop of the Authority held at Hephzibah Christian Limited at Peduase, Prof. Gyampo attributed the progress made so far to teamwork, discipline and a renewed institutional focus following the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).

He described the past year as one of learning and institutional transition, noting that Act 1122 has significantly expanded the Authority’s mandate, transforming it from a largely facilitative body into a modern regulator overseeing the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers across sea, air and land transport.

Regulatory interventions to reduce costs

Under Prof. Gyampo’s leadership, the Authority has rolled out several high-impact regulatory interventions aimed at reducing the cost of doing business for shippers.

Among the key achievements is the securing of a Bank of Ghana directive to address inconsistencies in the application of foreign exchange rates by shipping service providers. The Authority also approved a new charge for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for handling heavy-duty equipment, while successfully securing the deferment of a proposed USD250 charge by the Minerals Commission on each imported earth-moving equipment.

In addition, the GSA disapproved a proposed increment in cargo handling charges by ground handlers at the Kotoka International Airport, protecting shippers from additional cost burdens.

A major ongoing intervention is a proposed significant reduction in Container Administrative Fees charged by shipping lines—an initiative projected to save shippers over USD100 million annually once fully implemented after stakeholder consultations.

The Authority has also proposed reforms to the implementation of disinfection and fumigation charges at the ports, including exempting specific cargoes from blanket fumigation and introducing a sunset clause to limit the exercise to identified risks. These measures align with government policy aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.

Legislative and institutional strengthening

To give full effect to its expanded mandate, the Authority has successfully developed and submitted a draft Legislative Instrument to the Ministry of Transport to initiate the processes required for its passage. This step is expected to operationalise key provisions of Act 1122 and strengthen the Authority’s regulatory enforcement capacity.

The period under review has also seen the GSA receive eight awards from reputable institutions, reflecting growing recognition of its regulatory impact and institutional reforms.

Infrastructure development gathers pace

On the infrastructure front, Prof. Gyampo announced steady progress on several flagship logistics projects critical to national and regional trade.

The Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reached 85 per cent completion of Phase One by August 2025, with approvals secured to retain contractors and consultants on site while efforts continue to attract a private partner.

Construction has commenced on the Akatekyiwa Freight Park, while preparatory works have advanced for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres at Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu and Gonokrom. Planning is also underway for the development of the Tema Shippers Centre.

Challenges and policy alignment

Despite the gains, Prof. Gyampo acknowledged persistent operational challenges, including inadequate funding for regulatory activities, escalating port costs due to inefficiencies, and fragmented inter-agency coordination within the trade and transport ecosystem.

He noted that the Authority’s work going forward will be closely aligned with key government priorities outlined in the 2024 NDC Manifesto, the 2025 State of the Nation Address and the 2026 Budget. These include port fee rationalisation, the 24-Hour Economy initiative, trade facilitation, export promotion, infrastructure development under the “Big Push” agenda, digitisation, exchange rate stability through GoldBod, and the promotion of intra-African trade under AfCFTA.

Strategic priorities going forward

Looking ahead, Prof. Gyampo outlined six strategic priorities to guide the Authority from 2026 and beyond. These include institutional excellence and human capital development, reduction of shipping-related costs, accelerated logistics infrastructure development, strengthened regional and international partnerships, digital transformation, and the passage and implementation of the GSA Legislative Instrument.

He stressed the importance of discipline and accountability within the organisation, warning against laxity, inefficiency and what he described as the entrenched “government-work attitude”, which he said has no place in a modern public institution.

Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong, fair and effective regulatory Authority that protects the interests of all actors in the shipping value chain, in line with Act 1122.

He also commended the Governing Board of the Authority, constituted six months ago, for its support and guidance, expressing confidence that with clear performance indicators and policy direction, the GSA will contribute meaningfully to the government’s reset agenda in the shipping industry.

As the Authority prepares for the 2026 operational year, Prof. Gyampo called for renewed focus, unity of purpose and professionalism to consolidate the gains made so far and deepen reforms across the shipping and logistics sector.