The Ghana Shippers’ Authority says Ghana is positioning itself to become the preferred trade and logistics gateway in West Africa through enhanced 24-hour shipping and transit operations under government’s flagship economic policy.
The Authority believes continuous logistics operations, digital trade facilitation systems and improved corridor monitoring will significantly boost Ghana’s competitiveness in serving neighbouring landlocked countries including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
In a briefing to the sector minister, the Authority explained that the shipping and logistics sector remains central to the success of the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy because international trade activities operate continuously across borders and time zones.
According to the GSA, efficient cargo movement and uninterrupted port services are critical to attracting transit trade and increasing Ghana’s influence within regional commerce.
As part of efforts to strengthen corridor competitiveness, the Authority has introduced a dedicated E-Platform for monitoring transit-related complaints and operational disruptions along Ghana’s trade routes.
The platform allows transport operators and shippers to report challenges such as checkpoint delays, unofficial charges, cargo disruptions and harassment of drivers in real time.
The Authority said complaints can also be lodged through the regional trade barrier platform, www.tradebarrierswa.org, to facilitate faster intervention and resolution.
A dedicated hotline, 0547383875, has also been activated to provide real-time support for cargo operators using Ghana’s transit corridors.
The GSA said these interventions are intended to improve reliability along transport routes and enhance confidence among regional traders who depend on Ghana’s ports for imports and exports.
The Authority noted that faster cargo clearance, improved vessel turnaround time and efficient corridor operations would help reduce logistics costs and strengthen Ghana’s attractiveness as a maritime hub within the sub-region.
It further stressed that continuous port operations under the 24-hour economy framework could create significant economic opportunities through increased trade volumes, job creation and investment inflows into the logistics and transport sectors.
The GSA also highlighted ongoing advocacy engagements with shipping lines, terminal operators and logistics service providers aimed at reducing avoidable port charges and improving service delivery standards.
According to the Authority, efficient trade facilitation systems remain essential if Ghana is to compete effectively with other ports within the region.
While acknowledging challenges including security concerns, energy reliability and limited inter-agency coordination, the GSA maintained that the obstacles are surmountable and should not derail efforts to modernise Ghana’s shipping and logistics ecosystem.
The Authority expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help transform Ghana into a leading regional trade and transit destination under the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
