Speaking at the launch of the Authority’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra last Friday, he described the milestone as a testament to the organisation’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

He noted the Authority’s pivotal role in representing and promoting the interests of shippers, resolving complaints, negotiating freight rates, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders in the shipping industry.

He outlined some of the Authority’s notable accomplishments, including securing competitive freight rates for cocoa exports through annual negotiations, establishing strategic warehousing facilities at Tema Port and the completion of a freight park at Elubo to facilitate cross-border trade with Côte d’Ivoire and the Authority’s advocacy for fair port handling charges.
    

While acknowledging these achievements, he noted the challenges the GSA has faced over the years, particularly the limitations of its founding legal framework.

“This is not a time to rest on your laurels but to leverage the new Act to create a robust and competitive shipping environment that facilitates trade and ensures fairness and efficiency for all players,” he stated.

He urged the GSA to embrace innovation, adopt sustainable practices, and strengthen partnerships to remain competitive in the global shipping industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Mr Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, in his speech, highlighted the Authority’s achievements and its commitment to driving transformation in the shipping and logistics industry.

“This golden jubilee is not just a celebration of our past but a testament to our resilience. For 50 years, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has been a vital pillar in Ghana’s economy, overcoming challenges to protect and promote the interests of shippers,” he remarked.

He paid tribute to the trailblazers who established the GSA, recognising their sacrifices and vision, saying, “To our formative executives, board members, and retirees, you laid the foundation upon which we stand today. Your efforts have created a legacy that will inspire generations.”

Reflecting on recent milestones, he highlighted the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act 2024 (Act 1122), which enhances the Authority’s regulatory mandate to ensure fair practices, competitive fees, and a level playing field for all stakeholders in the shipping value chain.

“Our work is now guided by a stronger legislative framework, and this achievement is a credit to the collaborative efforts of our Board, the Minister of Transport, and the President of Ghana,” he noted.

The CEO also pointed to digital innovations that have improved efficiency and transparency, including the introduction of tiered categorisation for shippers and the establishment of zonal stakeholder committees to streamline cargo clearance at ports.

He said one of the key projects driving the Authority’s vision for the future is the Boankra Integrated Terminal, which is 75 per cent complete. Once operational, the inland port will reduce transport costs, enhance trade efficiency, and boost Ghana’s standing as a regional trade hub.

“This project will not only ease cargo movement but also create jobs, reduce road congestion, and foster stronger trade partnerships with our landlocked neighbours,” Mr Sarpong explained.

He outlined the GSA’s focus on sustainability, digitisation, and human capital development, stressing the need to embrace technology and adopt green shipping practices to remain competitive in a dynamic global market.