In a statement issued on April 22, 2026, the group described the move as a “decisive and long-overdue intervention” aimed at ending what it called the persistent exploitation of importers through arbitrary and excessive charges imposed by some shipping lines and their agents.

According to TAGG, the agreed administrative charge of GH₵550, arrived at through stakeholder consultations, represents a fair, transparent, and sustainable benchmark for port operations.

The group also welcomed the directive requiring that charges be quoted in Ghana cedis rather than foreign currencies, noting that the move would protect traders from exchange rate distortions and unjustified pricing.

TAGG stressed that there would be no justification for non-compliance, declaring that “the era of unregulated and inflated port charges is over.”

It further dismissed concerns that the directive could lead to revenue losses, insisting instead that the reforms would promote efficiency, accountability, and fairness within the sector.

The group warned that any attempt by shipping lines or their agents to undermine or circumvent the directive would be considered a direct threat to national economic interests and the trading community.

“We urge all shipping lines and their agents to comply immediately and fully. Resistance to this reform is unacceptable,” the statement said.

TAGG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ghana Shippers Authority in restoring order and reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

READ ALSO:

Ghana launches a National Workplace HIV and Wellness Policy

Odawna traders appeal for urgent completion of stalled bridge over rising insecurity

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ransford Gyampo, confirmed the development in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem after discussions held at the Shippers’ House on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The meeting brought together GUTA leaders, freight forwarders’ groups, and government representatives to address growing concerns over the system’s implementation.

Traders have been raising concerns over what they describe as increased duties and inefficiencies linked to the rollout of the Publican AI platform at the ports.

Prior to the meeting, GUTA had directed freight forwarders and clearing agents to suspend duty payments and halt operations from April 13 to April 17 as part of a nationwide protest.

However, following Monday’s engagement, the association agreed to suspend the full-scale action to allow room for further consultations, including a scheduled meeting with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, on Thursday, April 16.

Addressing participants, Mr Gyampo underscored the need for dialogue in resolving the impasse.

“The GSA remains committed to promoting a fair and efficient trading environment, while ensuring that reforms within the sector serve the broader interest of the economy,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that the concerns raised by traders would be addressed through appropriate institutional processes.

While welcoming the intervention, GUTA officials maintained their position on the need to suspend the system, arguing that rising duties and operational challenges continue to place significant strain on traders and manufacturers.

The Publican AI system has in recent weeks sparked tension between traders and port authorities, with industry players calling for broader engagement before its full implementation.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Transport is expected to engage the traders on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

ALSO READ:

• Transport Minister to meet GUTA over Publican AI concerns

• TAGG heads to court over Publican AI system, threatens nationwide shutdown

• We are disappointed in GRA boss — TAGG criticises Publican AI rollout [Audio]

This publication generated some public discussion about the real intentions of the publication and whether there were breaches of any law.

Here are the facts as we have found:

What was procured?

According to details available, the procurement involved over 100 pieces of ICT equipment to support the Authority’s operations.

These include laptops, tablets, HP LaserJet printers, access control systems, CCTV installations, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units, and solar-powered inverter systems, among others.

The acquisition, the Authority explains, was not an ad-hoc decision but part of a broader plan dating back to 2024, with several of the needs inherited and already budgeted for.

Was there due process and competitive tendering?

To ensure transparency and value for money, the GSA was said to have shortlisted five experienced firms based on technical capacity, track record, and after-sales support.

These included Urban Tech Solutions Limited, Wumberic Group, Ruzyne Group Limited, Procure Charter Limited, and Venus Hills Company Limited.

The procurement process was not unilateral as the GSA received formal approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), after which a restricted tendering process was conducted through the Ghana Electronic Procurement Platform.

Subsequently, the Authority sought and obtained final approval from the Central Tender Review Committee of the Ministry of Finance before awarding the contract.

Cost savings and final contract value

While the initial estimated cost of the procurement stood at GH¢2 million, an amount approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, the contract was ultimately awarded at a significantly reduced figure.

Urban Tech Solutions Limited, the winning bidder, supplied the full range of equipment at a renegotiated cost of GH¢1.4 million, inclusive of taxes.

This represents a savings of approximately GH¢600,000 to the state.

Why restricted tendering?

The use of restricted tendering is fully compliant with Ghana’s Public Procurement laws.

The method allows institutions to invite selected qualified firms where specialized expertise and reliability are critical.

In this case, limiting the process to vetted firms was intended to ensure efficiency, maintain quality standards, and guarantee timely delivery.

Putting the matter in perspective

The above clarification suggests that rather than overspending, the procurement process may have achieved notable cost savings while adhering to established legal and administrative procedures.

As public scrutiny over government spending intensifies, the case highlights the importance of context, due process, and verified information in shaping public discourse.

In a notice released on Tuesday, January 20, the Authority explained that the decision follows the emergence of new concerns that require further clarification and agreement with major stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector.

GSA said the pause will allow for additional engagement with industry players to resolve outstanding issues before the system is rolled out.

The Smart Port Note was first announced on December 23, 2025, with a load-on-board start date of February 1, 2026. However, the Authority noted that implementation will now be deferred until consultations are completed.

“A new commencement date will be announced in due course,” the statement said.

The SPN forms part of broader plans to modernise Ghana’s ports, enhance data visibility, and minimise delays within the shipping and logistics chain.

Some operators have, however, expressed concerns about preparedness, possible costs, and how the system will integrate with existing port and customs platforms.

According to the GSA, the aim is to ensure that when the Smart Port Note is finally introduced, it improves efficiency without disrupting trade or increasing the cost of doing business at the ports.

The Authority assured stakeholders that further updates will be issued once the engagement process is concluded.

ALSO READ:

• Concerned traders reject mandatory Smart Port Note rollout
• Tema Port debunks alleged strike and operational disruptions
  
  

The development was the outcome of a high-level meeting attended by representatives from across the maritime, logistics, and trade sectors.

Among the notable attendees were George Dumenu, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Autodata Ghana, and Paulina Abrokwah, Vice President of the Chamber of Autodata Ghana, who joined other industry leaders in reviewing the law’s far-reaching implications.

Under the new Act, shipping lines will no longer be allowed to apply black-market exchange rates when calculating charges—a practice that stakeholders say has, for years, created unfair cost burdens for importers and exporters.

Instead, all fees and tariffs must now receive formal approval from the Authority before implementation.

The legislation also extends its oversight to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), which must now obtain clearance before introducing any new tariffs at the country’s ports.

This, according to participants, will help eliminate sudden, arbitrary cost increases and provide greater predictability for businesses.

“This is a win for every player in the trade value chain,” Mr. Dumenu remarked. “The black-market rate issue has been a source of frustration for years, and this law finally addresses it head-on.”

For too long, the lack of oversight has allowed unpredictable pricing structures to undermine business planning. Now, we have a framework that ensures accountability; businesses can budget their shipping costs more effectively, as stated in the Shippers Review.

Other stakeholders echoed the sentiments, noting that the Act will promote transparency, fairness, and a level playing field in Ghana’s shipping and freight industry.

Participants at the meeting agreed that the reforms mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its maritime regulatory regime, improve the ease of doing business, and boost investor confidence in the logistics sector.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Law to regulate shipping charges in the pipeline – Shippers’ Authority

• Ghana Shippers’ Authority intensifies enforcement of New Shipping Act

• Ghana Shippers Authority drags shipping lines to BoG

In an exclusive interview with Adomonline.com, Professor Gyampo revealed a series of decisive measures he has implemented to rescue the financially-strained Authority.

“I travel economy class – and so will everyone else,” he declared matter-of-factly. “I may be the only CEO in Ghana who does that today. But it is unthinkable and unethical to indulge in opulence while the institution I lead is bleeding.”

Inheriting an empty purse

Prof. Gyampo assumed office amid a deep financial crisis rooted in broader economic policies that prioritized national obligations over agency liquidity.

Under the Mahama administration, a controversial fiscal decision to consolidate excess funds from government institutions had ripple effects across various agencies, including the GSA.

“The decision to pool institutional funds to meet national commitments, like paying bondholders, was critical,” he acknowledged.

“But it left institutions like ours gasping for air.”

Faced with a financial drought, Gyampo rolled out what he calls “an innovative austerity agenda” to cut costs and re-orient the Authority toward operational efficiency.

The Gyampo doctrine: cost-cutting with conviction

Key elements of this strategy include:

Contract Reviews: Several legacy contracts were terminated or renegotiated, ensuring better value for money and protecting the Authority from overpriced obligations.

Suspension of Incentives: While not ideal, some staff incentives have been paused temporarily to align expenditure with fiscal reality.

Travel Reform: All non-essential foreign travel has been suspended. When travel is approved, every employee, including the CEO himself, is expected to fly economy.

“Why should public officials, especially those presiding over loss-making institutions, live as if they’re royalty?” he queried. “It doesn’t make sense. We must abandon this culture of entitlement.”

The modesty isn’t just performative. “I was offered an old vehicle for official use, which I only drive to and from work. For church, funerals, and weddings, I use my personal car,” he added, underscoring a belief that government property should serve government functions alone.

A new ethos for public leadership

More than a temporary financial fix, Gyampo’s approach is emerging as a new governance ethos—a model of ethical leadership grounded in simplicity and accountability.

But the path has not been without resistance. Accusations recently surfaced suggesting he had purchased a luxury massage chair for his office—an allegation he dismisses as “ignorant propaganda.”

“That claim is not only false but senseless,” he retorted. “Competent propaganda isn’t for little minds. Those leveling such accusations must find a better strategy. If the opposition wants to remain relevant, it must produce a credible leadership that focuses on ideas, not pettiness.”

A man of modest origins and unyielding focus

Gyampo’s leadership style is deeply shaped by his upbringing and his experience as an academic and unionist.

“I come from a very modest background. By the grace of God and through hard work, I was already comfortable before this appointment,” he noted. “But that background and the training I received make it impossible for me to condone waste.”

Far from being partisan, Gyampo sees his role as a national duty—part of a broader vision to “reset Ghana” under President Mahama’s renewed administration.

“The President has shown courage by bringing in people like me, who are not members of his party, to contribute. That shows seriousness. If we succeed in this agenda, Ghana succeeds. And that’s what matters most.”

Looking ahead

While it’s still early in his tenure, Professor Gyampo’s leadership is already turning heads, inspiring hope that the culture of public sector extravagance can be changed.

His blend of humility, policy clarity, and fierce accountability may yet set a new standard—not just for the GSA, but for public administration in Ghana.

“We won’t countenance a sense of entitlement that perpetuates what is wrong,” he said. “We’re here to change the status quo.”

As Ghana watches this unfolding story, one thing is clear: Prof. Gyampo is determined to lead with principle, not perks—and he’s betting that in the long run, that’s what real transformation looks like.

In a Facebook post following his appointment by President John Mahama, Prof. Gyampo stated, “There can be no neutrality when one is tasked with helping to right what is wrong in the service of the nation.”

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the support he has received, promising to serve the nation with dedication.

“Thank you, Prez Mahama, and humbled by the many congratulatory messages. I’ll serve Ghana,” he wrote.

Before his appointment, Prof. Gyampo was a highly regarded political science professor at the University of Ghana, known for his independent and bold commentary on governance and national issues.

ALSO READ:

• Menzgold saga was a big factor in NPP’s defeat – Aggrieved customer [Listen]

• Chinese nationals arrested with gold bars and $800,000 cash

This follows reports of significant delays in the delivery and evacuation of containers at the Port of Tema.

The situation has been largely attributed to recurring scanner breakdowns at the MPS Terminal 3 and intermittent glitches in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

In a statement, GSA clarified that, such costs are unjustified and should not be imposed on shippers.

“No shipper using a port in Ghana should pay for costs associated with delays not occasioned by the shipper,” the statement noted.

All cargo interest holders, consignees, and service providers have therefore been urged to report any such charges to the GSA for investigation.

The Authority has assured that “where it is established that delays were due to systemic failures, refunds will be issued.”

GSA further acknowledged that the efforts are being made to address the challenges and pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure the efficient delivery of services.

The GSA also took the opportunity to wish the shipping community a productive business season and happy holidays, signaling its resolve to support industry players during this critical period.

Read the statement below:

The meeting aimed to clarify the law’s provisions, address concerns, and ensure a smooth implementation that benefits all stakeholders.

The Ghana Shippers Authority assured the Associations of their commitment to collaboration and fair enforcement, ensuring a conducive business environment for all.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkora Marfo, said the law is expected to make Ghana a preferred transit trade channel for its landlocked neighbours and enhance revenue contribution to the national purse.

He added that, the new law has empowered the Ghana Shippers Authority to adapt to emerging trends and complexities within the shipping and logistics industry, protect the interests of shippers and shipping service providers, and improve its regulatory oversight of the entire industry.

Representatives of trade Associations, including the Ghana Union of Traders, the Association of Ghana Industries, and others, have expressed optimism that the newly passed Ghana Shippers Authority Law will bring significant benefits to their businesses.

They hope the law will reduce unfair charges and costs, increase transparency in port fees and charges, improve efficiency and competitiveness in the shipping industry, and enhance Ghana’s reputation as a preferred trade hub in the region.

Association representatives praised the Ghana Shippers Authority for engaging with them and look forward to a collaborative implementation process that addresses their concerns and promotes their interests.

ALSO READ:

Ghanasco student arrested for allegedly shooting a fellow student

Check out copy of the leaked controversial ‘Agyapadie’ document

President Akufo-Addo’s claims on ‘Agyapadie’ document can’t be taken seriously –…

The Association commends the timely appointment of Mr. Baffour, especially given the multitude of challenges currently faced by traders.

His extensive background in the energy sector instills confidence in the traders, as they believe his experience will be valuable in addressing their concerns.

This congratulatory message was conveyed through an official statement signed by the President of TAAG and other executive members copied to Adomonline.com

The traders expressed their willingness to collaborate with the new CEO’s office to facilitate smooth transactions.

Check out full statement below:

Having been appointed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she brought her wealth of knowledge and rich experience in the shipping industry to bear in the prosecution of the organisation’s mandate.

She inspired the revision of the Authority’s 5-year Strategic Plan (2019 – 2023) and directed its implementation, culminating in the achievement of remarkable outcomes that have not only benefitted shippers (importers and exporters) but also improved cooperation and collaboration among key stakeholders including government agencies, industry players and international partners, enhancing Ghana’s position in the global shipping landscape.

Ms. Bismarck has been a vocal advocate for the interests of shippers – representing their concerns at national and international platforms.

She played a pivotal role in establishing a branch office in Tamale, strategically advancing the Authority’s commitment to a nationwide coverage. Her visionary leadership was particularly instrumental in overseeing the vigilant monitoring of the country’s transit corridors in the northern sector. Through this initiative, Ms. Benonita Bismarck not only expanded the organisational footprints but also ensured a comprehensive and impactful reach in optimizing shipping operations across the entire country.

Under her leadership, the Authority launched the ShippersApp, to provide instant shipping information and services to shippers and the public.

To support trade facilitation, her tenure saw the completion and inauguration of the Elubo Freight Park in the Western Region and the Hamile Freight Park in the Upper West Region

These achievements have been variously acknowledged, key among which is the 2023 Public Enterprises League Table (PELT) Awards organised by the Ministry of Public Enterprises in collaboration with the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).

The Authority placed 7^th on the League of Best Performing Public Institutions and 2^nd for the Agencies under the Ministry of Transport.

The Authority also picked up a number of awards including:

• Trade Facilitation Company of the Year 2020, 2021 and 2023 (Ghana Business Awards)
• Best Company in Supporting Health Institutions and Facilities 2021 (Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI) Awards)
• The Most Responsible Government Regulator of the year 2021 (Responsible Business and Leadership Excellence Awards)
• Public Sector Company of the Year 2021 (Ghana Business Awards)

On the personal front, Ms. Bismarck’s impactful leadership has been duly acknowledged. The awards recognised her ardent role in leading the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in making major interventions in addressing concerns of shippers in Ghana and contributing to trade facilitation. Some of the awards are:

• Woman of Excellence (Public Sector) Award 2020 (Ghana Business Awards)
• Most Outstanding Female in Corporate Social Responsibility (Business Executive Magazine Ltd)
• Ghana Women of Excellence Awards in honour of her contribution to national development (Top Brass Ghana)
• CEO of the Year in the Public Sector (Ghana Business Awards)
• Gold Business Leadership Award 2021 (Ghana Business Leaders Excellence Awards)
• Female Personality of the Year 2022 (Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI)
• Outstanding Public Sector CEO of the Year 2022 (Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana)
• Integrity-Driven CEO of the Year 2022 (African Public Service Awards by Instinct Wave)
• Sustainable Shipping Steward of the Year 2022 (Rad Communications)
• Outstanding Woman in Public Service 2023 (Rad Communications)

The foregoing bear testament to the exceptional contributions that Ms. Bismarck has rendered to the Authority over the course of the seven years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both the organization and the nation at large. Her service has been characterised by an unblemished record of integrity, dedication and excellence.

She leaves behind a legacy of strong, principled leadership.

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority expressed profound gratitude to Ms. Bismarck for her invaluable contributions and particularly, her strong leadership that helped the Authority in navigating through challenges and steering it towards greater heights.

Stepping into the esteemed role, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, possessing a robust background in energy sector trends, market analysis, operations management, business development, supply chain, contract management, and project coordination, assumes the position as the new Chief Executive Officer.

His wealth of expertise and diverse skill set promises to usher in a new chapter of dynamic and strategic leadership for the organization.

ALSO READ:

• Ghana Shippers’ Authority wins Industry Leadership Award

• Ghana Shippers Authority holds 8th media forum