Accra: Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, has assured the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) of the government's commitment to ensuring that shipping lines do not relocate from Ghana's ports. He addressed concerns raised by some shipping companies about Act 1122 of 2024, which they claim positions the GSA as both a regulator and an asset manager, creating bureaucratic challenges that increase the cost of doing business at the ports.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister provided these assurances during his first official visit to the GSA in Accra on Monday, where he aimed to familiarize himself with their operations, listen to their concerns, and share his vision. He referenced President John Mahama's election pledge to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana's ports by revising existing laws. The Minister emphasized that addressing these concerns could persuade shipping lines to reconsider their decisions to exit Ghana and pledged to collaborate with the Authority to streamline operations and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that deter business.
The Minister highlighted the reality of the threat of shipping lines relocating and stressed the need for proactive measures to create a conducive environment that encourages them to stay. He noted the significance of over 80 percent of global trade being conducted by sea, emphasizing the necessity for Ghana to create a business-friendly environment to attract and retain international trade partners. He assured the GSA of the Ministry's support in implementing the revised Act 1122 of 2024, which strengthens the Authority's regulatory role.
Furthermore, he reiterated the government's commitment to reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana's ports by reviewing taxes, duties, and levies to foster a competitive shipping environment. The Minister also called for enhanced collaboration between the GSA and the Ministry to ensure that Ghana's ports remain attractive to business and urged for policies that align with the government's '24-hour economy' agenda.
Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the GSA, welcomed the Minister's visit, describing it as long-awaited and reassuring. He outlined the historical background of the GSA, established in 1974 to counter unfair pricing practices by liner conferences, and highlighted the expanded regulatory role under the 2024 revision of the GSA Act. Prof. Gyampo acknowledged concerns from some shipping lines regarding the Authority's regulatory oversight, particularly in approving charges, and mentioned outstanding fees owed to the GSA by some shipping lines, as raised at the Public Accounts Committee.
Prof. Gyampo assured the Minister that under the government's 'Reset Ghana Agenda,' the GSA would effectively regulate commercial shipping activities to ensure fair pricing and efficiency. He reaffirmed the GSA's commitment to working with the Ministry to enhance Ghana's competitiveness in the global shipping industry and retain shipping lines in the country.