The Ghana Shippers Authourity has disclosed that transit trading has gone up from 106,416 tonnes in 2010 to 154,229 in the first quarter of 2011. Trading in imports also saw an increase from 2,413,711 tonnes in 2010 to 3,590,561 in 2011 while exports also grew slightly at 39.9%. Import trade had moved from America and Europe to the Far East and Asia where over 80% of imports originate. Despite this growth the Shippers’ Authority is worried about the slow growth in the export sector. The CEO of the Authority Dr. Kofi Mbiah has appealed to the private sector to diversify their products while partnering with investors abroad to identify and export more products to the international market. He was however happy that business is improving despite recession which affected maritime trading and affected revenue generation. As part of efforts to take advantage of the oil boom in the Western region, the authority is constructing logistic platforms to facilitate the clearance and storage of equipment meant for work on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September. Additionally, the authority is set to improve its customer relationship with clients through the construction of the 10-storey Shippers Building in Accra to serve as a one-stop shop for all those involved in the shipping industry. Dr. Mbiah said his office was committed to improving trade with Ghana’s neigbouring countries. This he said had informed their decision to educate and equip the regional shipper committees to improve trade without sacrificing the security of the state. He cited cases where some criminals engage in smuggling and child trafficking under the guise of shipping especially between Ghana and Bourkina Faso. Currently the authority is training officers in Takoradi and the Upper West. The authority is unhappy that despite the concerns raised over the number of checkpoints, the problem still persist; affecting the free flow of trade among West African countries. On the concern of the authority over the congestion at the Tema Harbour, the C.E.O of the shippers’ authority described it has ‘bad for business’. He appealed to both government and the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority to invest in additional expansion works at the port to enable the accommodation of additional bigger vessels. This according to him, will position Ghana favourably to compete more effectively in the international market. Story by Afia Pokua/Adom News/Ghana