By Hannah Awadzi
Accra, Nov. 29, GNA – The Ghana Shippers Authority has marked her golden jubilee with a call to create a viable shipping environment that facilitates international trade and ensures fairness, efficiency, and competitiveness for all players in the commercial shipping industry.
Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transportation, at a ceremony to mark the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration said the Ghana Shippers’ Authority had been a cornerstone in the economic development of our nation.
“In executing its mandate of representing the interest of shippers in Ghana, the Authority has played a critical role in interfacing between shippers, shipping service providers and government. The Authority’s role in facilitating international trade, reducing costs, and ensuring the protection of shippers’ interests is well known to all in the industry.”
The golden jubilee celebration is on the theme: “50 Years of Excellence in Shipping and Logistics: Dedication, Innovation, and Service in the Shipping Industry.”
The transportation minister announced that Parliament of Ghana passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) on July 29, 2024, which was subsequently assented to by the President on October 17, 2024.
He said it was evident that, after 50 years, the shipping industry had undergone remarkable transformations and the NRCD 254 had become obsolete in keeping up with the changes and in addressing the numerous challenges in the commercial shipping sector.
Mr Asiamah said that the real work begun with the implementation of the Act, and this must be done with all the zeal at our disposal for the benefit of industry.
“We need to look to fostering sustainable growth, promoting green shipping practices, and strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally. The next 50 years present an opportunity for you to build on this enviable legacy, to transform the Authority into a world-class organization that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.
Ms Stella Wilson, Board Chairperson of the Ghana Shippers Authority, said the Authority has been guided by the principle of transparency in all our operations.
“Our governance framework has allowed us to embrace innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. We have fostered a culture of continuous improvement, where innovation is encouraged, and compliance is non-negotiable,” she added.
Mr Kwesi Baffour Okyere Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, said the passage of the Ghana Shippers Authority Act 2024 strengthened their ability to regulate commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers, promote fair and equitable practices and ensuring competitive fees and charges of all players within the shipping value chain
He said the GSA was recently recognized as the “Public Sector Company of the Year” and the “Trade Facilitation Company of the Year” at the 7th Ghana Business Awards, affirming leadership in the shipping industry .
The Ghana Shippers Authority was established by the National Redemption Council Decree (NRCD) 254 in April 1974 with a core mandate to protect and promote the interest of shippers in Ghana.
The GSA hopes to ensure a competitive, transparent, and predictable commercial shipping industry in Ghana that creates value for the shipper across all modes of transport.
GNA