The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has outlined sweeping regulatory reforms, cost-reduction interventions, and strategic infrastructure priorities aimed at lowering the cost of doing business and repositioning Ghana as a competitive trade and logistics hub.
Addressing senior management and staff at the 32nd GSA Management Workshop held at Hephzibah Christian Limited in Peduase, the CEO described the past year as a defining period in the Authority’s transformation following the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
He said the new law has fundamentally reshaped the institution from a facilitative agency into a full regulator overseeing the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers across sea, air, and land transport.
“This transformation demands higher institutional discipline, coordination, and professionalism,” he noted, stressing that integrity, teamwork, and accountability must guide the Authority’s next phase.
Key policy and cost-saving interventions
Reviewing performance in the year under consideration, the CEO announced several regulatory interventions that have delivered direct financial relief to shippers.
These include securing a Bank of Ghana directive to harmonise foreign exchange rate applications by shipping service providers, blocking proposed increases in cargo handling charges at Kotoka International Airport, and deferring a planned USD250 charge on imported earth-moving equipment by the Minerals Commission.
He further revealed that GSA’s proposal to significantly reduce container administrative fees charged by shipping lines could save shippers more than USD100 million annually once fully implemented, following stakeholder consultations.
Additional measures are also underway to reform port fumigation and disinfection charges by exempting low-risk cargo and introducing sunset clauses, in line with government’s broader cost-reduction agenda.
Infrastructure projects and institutional milestones
On infrastructure, the CEO reported that Phase One of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reached 85 per cent completion by August 2025, while construction has commenced on the Akatekyiwa Freight Park. Preparatory works are also ongoing for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres in Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu, and Gonokrom.
He disclosed that the Authority has submitted a draft Legislative Instrument to the Ministry of Transport, a key step toward the full operationalisation of Act 1122.
These efforts, he said, have earned the GSA eight awards from reputable institutions over the past year.
2026 priorities and leadership expectations
Looking ahead, the CEO identified six strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond, including human capital development, aggressive reduction of shipping-related costs, logistics infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, strengthened international partnerships, and the passage of the GSA Legislative Instrument.
He warned that indiscipline and the entrenched “government-work attitude” would no longer be tolerated, declaring zero tolerance for lateness, complacency, and unprofessional conduct.
“This mindset has no place in a modern public institution striving for excellence,” he stressed.
The CEO reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong and effective regulator that protects the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping sector, adding that the newly constituted Governing Board has been “phenomenal and supportive” in driving the Authority’s reset agenda in line with President John Mahama’s vision.
He called on management to approach the 2026 operational year with unity, discipline, and renewed focus.
