His visit aimed to engage leadership and gain firsthand insight into the GSA’s operations
As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana remains the preferred commercial shipping hub in the sub-region, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe paid a working visit to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) on Monday, 24th February 2025.
His visit aimed to engage leadership, motivate staff, and gain firsthand insight into the GSA’s operations at a critical juncture of regulatory reform.
Accompanied by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mrs. Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials, Hon. Nikpe was warmly received by GSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, along with key figures from Corporate Affairs and HR & Administration.
The meeting set the stage for high-level discussions on the implementation of the recently enacted GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) and its impact on Ghana’s commercial shipping landscape.
During the visit, Professor Gyampo provided a brief history of the GSA and emphasized the significance of the new legislation in regulating the country’s commercial shipping industry.
He noted that the previous law, NRCD 254, had governed the sector for fifty years but was now outdated and inadequate for addressing the evolving dynamics of international trade.
“The core objective of the new legislation is to tackle key challenges hindering trade and to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana. The framers of the law envisioned a commercial shipping environment that is fair, efficient, and competitive, fostering international trade while protecting industry players,” he explained.
He further highlighted that the GSA’s expanded mandate seeks to safeguard the interests of both shippers and shipping service providers, ensuring a system that enhances and facilitates international trade.
“Without trade, the country cannot progress. Our efforts to combat poverty and underdevelopment will be futile if we do not strengthen trade relations among nations. We cannot pursue the government’s ‘Reset’ agenda while our trading partners consider relocating due to high charges and deliberate inefficiencies by some service providers, which cause unnecessary delays aimed at imposing demurrage charges on shippers. Such practices should not be part of the reset agenda,” he asserted.
Additionally, Professor Gyampo revealed that the GSA is in the process of drafting a Legislative Instrument (LI) to guide the operationalization of Act 1122 (2024). He assured that its enforcement would protect all stakeholders while prioritizing the welfare of Ghanaians.
In response, Minister Nikpe reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the GSA in fully implementing the new law.
“The GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122) is crucial for enhancing efficiency, promoting transparency, and strengthening the regulatory framework of Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector. As the Ministry of Transport, we assure you of our full support in implementing and operationalizing the Act. I will personally oversee its parliamentary processes to ensure its full execution,” he pledged.
He, however, urged the GSA to consider the concerns of all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaboration to facilitate the seamless and effective implementation of the law.
He noted that this approach would create a more conducive business environment for all involved.
Professor Gyampo assured the Minister that he had the full backing of the GSA’s management and staff.
He added that the GSA had aligned its plans and programs with the government’s Reset agenda, which prioritizes economic growth.