Shippers’ Authority takes proactive steps to ensure reduction in cost of cargo clearance

In a proactive move aimed at addressing the recurring issue of high business costs at the port, the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) has initiated processes to develop unique value propositions tailored to various categories of shippers.

This initiative is designed to facilitate access to needed services provided by the GSA while simultaneously reducing port and cargo destination costs.

The Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, announced this during a breakfast meeting with Shippers held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Takoradi.

The meeting, convened by Mr. Sarpong, signifies a strategic effort to fortify the GSA's relationship with shippers, with a specific emphasis on enhancing value throughout the cargo shipment and delivery process.

The inaugural session of this gathering in Takoradi included intimate one-on-one sessions between the CEO and shippers, including those whose annual import/export volumes exceed $20 million and are situated within the Western Zone.

Mr. Sarpong underscored the significant economic impact of shippers and hence the prioritization of their needs.

He said going forward, GSA is considering assigning Relationship Managers to some categories of shippers as part of the revisioning and realigning agenda to create value for shippers at Ghana's various ports in real time.

He outlined the GSA's overarching objective: "to drastically reduce port costs outside of statutory costs, including cost items like clearance expenses, container deposits, demurrage fees, and other avoidable charges, while also providing institutional support through permit acquisition/exemptions and proactive alerts," among other initiatives.

Agnes Asamoah-Duku, Head of the GSA's Western Zonal Office, affirmed the organization's commitment to open dialogue with shippers to swiftly address any challenges they encounter.

The shippers expressed gratitude to GSA for prioritizing their needs and pledged to be active participants in the various zonal shipper committees to contribute their quota to the improvement of the sector.