The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has begun the process of developing unique value propositions tailored to different categories of shippers in a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the recurring problem of high cost of doing business at ports. did.
This initiative aims to ease access to necessary services provided by GSA while reducing costs for ports and cargo destinations.
GSA Chief Executive Officer Kwesi Baffour-Sarpong announced this at a breakfast meeting with shippers held in Takoradi on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
The meeting convened by Mr. Sarpong represents a strategic effort to strengthen GSA’s relationships with shippers, with a particular focus on increasing value throughout the cargo shipping and delivery process.
The first session of this gathering in Takoradi will include an intimate one-on-one session between CEOs and shippers, with shippers with an annual import/export volume of over $20 million and located within the Western Zone. This includes shippers who do.
Mr. Sarpong emphasized that the economic impact on shippers is significant and therefore the needs of shippers must be prioritized.
He said going forward, the GSA is considering assigning relationship managers to some categories of shippers as part of its review and recalibration to create real-time value for shippers at various ports in Ghana.
He outlined the GSA’s overarching goals. “Significantly reduce non-statutory port costs, including cost items such as customs fees, container deposits, late fees and other avoidable costs, while providing institutional support through permit acquisition/exemption and advance warning. There are initiatives such as:
GSA Western Zone Office Director Agnes Asamoah-Duku affirmed the organization’s commitment to open dialogue with shippers to swiftly address any challenges they face.
Shippers expressed their gratitude to GSA for prioritizing their needs and pledged to actively participate in regional shipper committees and contribute their allocation to the improvement of the sector.