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.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Prof. Gyampo explained that the layoffs were carried out solely in compliance with a directive from the Presidency, which instructed all agencies to terminate the employment of persons hired after the December 7 elections.

He recounted receiving a farewell call from one affected staff member while traveling for a UTAG meeting, describing the worker as diligent but noting he had “no power to overturn a directive from above.”

“We received a directive from the Chief of Staff stating that all employees hired after the December 7 elections should be terminated. I remember I was traveling for a meeting with UTAG when one of my staff members called to say goodbye. He is a hard worker, and I wish there was something I could do to help, but it was a directive from above, and we had to comply,” he said.

According to Prof. Gyampo, 13 employees hired before December 7 were retained, while those engaged afterward were affected. Some contract staff who were regularized after the elections were also classified as new hires and therefore fell under the directive.

Prof. Gyampo added that the GSA is currently undergoing restructuring and developing new strategic plans, and will recruit additional staff when necessary and when resources permit.

“Thirteen employees were hired before December 7, and I met them during my time here, so only those hired after December 7 were affected. I was also made aware of some contract staff who, after the elections, were made permanent, but the system still categorized them as new hires.

“We plan to recruit as needed. Currently, we are restructuring our strategic plans, and we definitely require additional manpower. As our resources allow, we will move forward with hiring,” he added.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Authority defended its renewed regulatory mandate, which followed its transformation into a full-fledged regulatory body under the Act passed by Parliament in July 2024 and assented to in October.

The law mandates all shipping service providers—including shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and clearing agents—to submit proposed fees, charges, and tariffs to the GSA for review and approval before implementation.

The Authority disclosed that it has already blocked some proposed fee hikes, citing a lack of commercial justification.

Responding to concerns that strict regulation could hamper trade, the GSA emphasized that its approach is “collaborative, not adversarial,” and is guided by investigations, public hearings, and stakeholder consultations to ensure fairness.

The Authority also revealed ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to address complaints about the arbitrary application of foreign exchange rates by some shipping lines.

A high-level meeting involving the GSA, BoG, and industry stakeholders was held on July 15 to discuss possible solutions, with a formal directive from the central bank expected later this week.

To fully operationalize Act 1122, the GSA is also working with regulators in air, sea, and land transport sectors to draft a Legislative Instrument (LI) that will provide the necessary legal framework for robust enforcement.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting stakeholder interests and enhancing Ghana’s position as a competitive regional trade hub.

Source: AdomOnline

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At a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Ghana Shippers’ House on Monday, 3rd February 2025, the outgoing CEO, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, extended his best wishes to Prof. Gyampo and pledged his full support for a smooth transition.

Management and staff warmly welcomed the new CEO and affirmed their commitment to working with him to achieve the organization’s vision.

In his inaugural remarks, Prof. Gyampo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the GSA, emphasizing his participatory leadership style.

He assured stakeholders of his dedication to protecting the interests of shippers while maintaining constant engagement with shipping service providers to enhance business growth and economic development.

“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority is a key player in our nation’s economic framework. While our core mandate is to facilitate and protect the interests of shippers, we must achieve this through close collaboration with all stakeholders to build a resilient and thriving logistics sector,” he stated.

He further assured staff of an open-door policy, emphasizing teamwork and inclusivity:

“You have been here before I came. Regardless of who you are, I am willing to work with you, listen to you, and collaborate with you to ensure that the mandate of the Authority is fully achieved.”

In response, management and staff took turns to pledge their full support. The Secretary of the GSA Union, Kojo Frimpong, highlighted the cordial relationship between staff and management and assured the new CEO of the team’s commitment to the success of the GSA for the mutual benefit of staff and Ghana.

“Staff and management share a strong working relationship, and we are pleased to hear that you will engage with us in decision-making,” Frimpong remarked.

Profile of Prof. Ransford Gyampo

A distinguished academic and seasoned administrator, Prof. Gyampo brings over two decades of teaching and research experience to his new role. He is a Professor of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghana and Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Over the years, he has mentored thousands of students, many of whom now serve in key positions across various sectors, applying their knowledge to national development.

Prof. Gyampo has also played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic governance. As the Coordinator of the Political Parties Program at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for a decade, he facilitated high-level engagements with political party leaders, contributing to key national policy discussions. His work led to proposals for constitutional reforms, the passage of the Presidential Transition Act, capacity-building initiatives for political parties, and deliberations on state funding for political organizations.

As Director of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana, he spearheaded partnerships with European Union (EU) member states, securing funding opportunities for Ghanaian students pursuing higher education.

Prof. Gyampo’s expertise also extends into the maritime sector. He co-authored a paper titled “How Capacity Building is Negotiated: The Case of Maritime Security Projects in Ghana,” offering valuable insights into the dynamics of the shipping industry, which he intends to leverage in his new role.

“My exposure to the sector has given me deep insights into the industry. I intend to apply this knowledge in executing my mandate, which spans shipping by sea, air, road, and rail,” he affirmed.

With his extensive leadership experience and strong academic foundation, Prof. Gyampo is poised to lead the Ghana Shippers’ Authority into a new era of efficiency and growth, while ensuring that the interests of shippers remain a top priority in Ghana’s evolving logistics and commercial shipping landscape.

The objective is to ensure that both shippers and shipping service providers fulfill their obligations to each other, thus fostering economic growth.

These agreements will delineate the responsibilities of shipping service providers towards shippers, streamline port clearance processes, clarify time-related shipping costs, provide guidance on cost avoidance strategies, and define the role of the GSA in this context.

Mr. Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GSA, announced these developments in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, the Director of Operations at GSA during a workshop on “Avoiding Demurrage and Rent” for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) held at the Shippers’ House in Accra on Tuesday, 23rd April 2024.

Mrs. Owu stated, “The GSA is actively working to enforce the provisions outlined in the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2190), with a specific focus on Section 6, which outlines service standards designed to uphold minimum quality levels in shipping services provided to shippers.”

Demurrage Seminar

Importers have long grappled with the burden of demurrage and rent charges, often facing financial challenges in their shipping endeavors. Over recent years, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has received numerous complaints from shippers regarding demurrage fees imposed by shipping lines, despite delays not being attributed to the shippers themselves.

To address this challenge, the GSA initiated the “Avoiding Demurrage and Rent” seminar series in 2018. The initiative aims to educate shippers about the importance of initiating clearance procedures for goods before their arrival at the port, thereby reducing the likelihood of incurring demurrage charges.

Why MDAs

The GSA’s targeted campaign towards MDAs was prompted by research findings indicating that government agencies are among the top payers of demurrage charges. Mrs. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu reiterated the Authority’s commitment to establishing a “demurrage-free port” in the interest of shippers and the national economy. Additionally, Mrs. Owu urged MDAs and leadership of State-Owned Enterprises to expedite the clearance of consignments from ports to minimize avoidable costs incurred using state resources.

Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation Department at GSA, appealed to MDAs responsible for granting permits and licenses to shippers to be mindful of the services they provide to avoid demurrage charges. Participants, including freight forwarders and representatives of various MDAs, emphasized the importance of staying informed about new developments that could be crucial for operating a cost-effective business.

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