Ghana Shippers Authority and SOAAG call for deeper stakeholder engagement in shipping sector

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) have renewed calls for deeper stakeholder engagement in Ghana’s commercial shipping sector to enhance trade and improve the business environment.

At a meeting between the two institutions, Professor Ransford Gyampo, Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, emphasised that continuous dialogue and data sharing among shipping lines, port authorities and government agencies were essential to ensuring efficiency and fairness in the sector.

“We must listen to each other more and find a middle ground to address our challenges. The GSA’s role is not to take sides, we are referees in this space, here to ensure fairness and protect the broader interest of Ghana’s commercial shipping sector,” he stated.

SOAAG raised concerns about the rising cost of doing business in the industry, cautioning against attributing the challenge solely to shipping lines.

Mr Adam Imoru Ayarna, Vice President of SOAAG, explained that several charges imposed by state agencies, along with costs such as the destruction and auctioning of cargo without recourse to shippers and SOAAG, were contributing factors to the rising operational expenses.

“All of these factors result in significant increases in charges. We need to work together, share accurate information and hold each other accountable,” he said.

Both organisations stressed the importance of improving efficiency among state agencies to reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance transparency and boost operational performance.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation through regular dialogue, accountability and a shared vision to make Ghana a competitive commercial shipping hub in West Africa.