(From left) Kwesi Baffour Okyere Sarpong, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah and Madam Stella Wilson, Board Chair GSA
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has officially launched its 50th -anniversary celebrations to mark a milestone in its journey of shaping and supporting the growth of the country’s shipping and logistics sector.
The event, held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, industry players, and government representatives to celebrate the legacy of the Authority and chart a bold course for the future.
Under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Resilience; Honouring Our Legacy and Inspiring Innovative Excellence,”the celebration is intended to emphasise the GSA’s commitment to fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in shipping and logistics industry.
In a keynote address, the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah commended the GSA for its significant contributions to the country’s economic development since its establishment in 1974.
He acknowledged the Authority’s resilience and innovation in navigating challenges while ensuring Ghana remains competitive in global trade.
“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has been a cornerstone in the economic development of our nation. Its role in representing shippers, facilitating trade, and fostering a balanced shipping ecosystem is commendable,” the Minister said.
He highlighted key achievements, including the annual Cocoa Freight Negotiations, the provision of warehouse facilities at Tema Port, and the facilitation of major projects like the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal and the Elubo Freight Park.
Mr. Asiamah also lauded the recent passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which replaces the outdated NRCD 254. The new law empowers the Authority to address challenges such as illegitimate charges in the shipping industry and adapt to the evolving global shipping landscape.
“This Act marks the beginning of a transformative journey. The real work lies in its implementation to create a viable shipping environment that promotes fairness, efficiency, and sustainability,” the Minister added.
The Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Kwesi Baffour Okyere Sarpong, reflected on the Authority’s remarkable journey, paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for its success.
“Fifty years is not just a number; it is a testament to resilience, a tribute to legacy, and an ode to the innovative spirit that propels us forward,” Mr. Sarpong stated.
He mentioned the contributions of past leaders and retirees, acknowledging their sacrifices in shaping the GSA into a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic development.
Mr. Sarpong detailed recent achievements, including the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which enhances the Authority’s regulatory powers to ensure fair practices and competitive pricing in the shipping industry.
According to him, the GSA’s embrace of digitisation, exemplified by its E-Platform for addressing non-tariff barriers and streamlining operations, is also a key step toward modernising its services.
He noted the successful classification of shippers into Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, enabling tailored services to meet diverse needs.
He also pointed to the establishment of Zonal Stakeholder Committees and progress on the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal as transformative initiatives to strengthen the country’s logistics infrastructure.
A Daily Guide Report