New Shippers’ Authority Law Set to Transform Ghana’s Shipping Industry, CEO Affirms
At a pivotal stakeholder meeting held at the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) headquarters on Friday, 2nd August, 2024, GSA CEO Kwesi Baffour Sarpong underscored the transformative potential of the newly amended Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law for Ghana’s commercial shipping sector.
The high-profile meeting initiated by the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), brought together key industry players, including representatives from the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), the Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and the Trade Advocacy Group (TAG).
In his address, Mr. Baffour Sarpong outlined the primary goals of the new legislation which aims to streamline shipping operations, enhance freight forwarding efficiency, and ensure alignment with international trade standards. He reassured stakeholders that the law’s implementation will be equitable and reflective of the industry’s needs, marking a significant step towards Ghana’s quest to become the leading trade hub in the region.
“The Shippers’ Authority Law is designed to foster a more favorable trading environment, minimize shipping process bottlenecks, and ultimately reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana,” Mr. Baffour Sarpong explained.
He further emphasized the necessity of unified action among stakeholders to realize the law’s objectives. “The success of this law depends on our collective effort and cooperation. It is through our joint commitment that we will enhance market dynamics and strengthen Ghana’s trade competitiveness,” he added.
Industry leaders from GIFF, CUBAG, ACHAG, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and TAG expressed their support for the implementation of GSA’s new law. Stephen Adjokatcher, President of GIFF, anticipated that the new law would promote greater transparency and accountability, driving improved revenue collection and supporting national economic growth.
Sampson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, also welcomed the changes, noting that the new legislation addresses long-standing calls for reform. He expressed optimism that the law would alleviate shipping delays and reduce associated costs.
During the meeting, concerns were addressed by Mr. Baffour Sarpong, who emphasized the importance of preparing for the development of a Legislative Instrument (LI) to facilitate the law’s implementation. He called for ongoing dialogue and industry feedback to swiftly address any emerging issues.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment to work collaboratively towards achieving the goals of the new Shippers’ Authority Law. As Ghana positions itself as a regional trade hub, the successful implementation of this law is expected to significantly enhance the country’s economic growth.
