Success of new GSA Law depends on industry collaboration – CEO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shipping Authority (GSA), Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, has said that the amended Ghana Shippers’ Authority Law will revolutionize the country’s commercial shipping sector, but its success depends on collective effort.

At a recent stakeholder meeting in Accra, initiated by the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Baffour Sarpong stressed that the law’s implementation requires unified and concerted action among industry players.

The high-profile meeting brought together representatives from key industry associations, including, the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), the Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and the Trade Advocacy Group (TAG).

Baffour Sarpong outlined the law’s primary goals, including streamlining shipping operations, enhancing freight forwarding efficiency, and aligning with international trade standards. He called for collaboration in its implementation.

“The Shippers’ Authority Law is designed to foster a more favorable trading environment, minimize shipping process bottlenecks, and ultimately reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana. The success of this law will depend on our collective effort and cooperation. We must work together to enhance market dynamics and strengthen Ghana’s trade competitiveness”, he noted.

Baffour Sarpong also underscored the importance of preparing for the development of a Legislative Instrument (L.I) to facilitate the law’s implementation.

He reassured the stakeholders that the law’s implementation will be equitable and reflective of the needs of the shipping industry, marking a significant step towards Ghana’s quest to become the leading trade hub in the West African region.

A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, said the new law will sanitize the shipping industry by ensuring better accountability of legal activities in the blue economy locally and beyond. He reiterated the need for collaboration and urged all the associations to participate fully in the drafting of the Legislative Instrument that will drive the successful implementation of the law.

Industry leaders from GIFF, CUBAG, ACHAG, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and TAG expressed their support for the new law. However, they also acknowledged that its success depends on their collective commitment.

Stephen Adjokatcher, President of GIFF, anticipated that the new law would promote greater transparency and accountability, driving improved revenue collection and supporting national economic growth.

Sampson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, welcomed the amended law. He was hopeful that the new law will address long-standing calls for reform and alleviate shipping delays to reduce associated costs.

Prof. Paul Kuruk from the Ghana International Trade Advocacy underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and feedback in the implementation of the new law, noting that they are key in achieving success.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment to collaboration, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s journey towards becoming a regional trade hub.