Ghana Shippers Authority receives award

Dr Kofi Mbiah, Chief Executive of the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) has been decorated with the African Maritime and Energy (AME) Evergreen Award for 2014.

The award, presented at the 4th Africa Shipping and Oil Roundtable held in Durban, South Africa, was organized by the prestigious African Business and Logistics Support Services (ABALSS).


The other Awardees included Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Deputy Minister of Transport of Ghana. She received the AME Laurette award; Transnet National Ports Authority of South Africa received the AME Container Terminal of the Year and Mr. I. P. Azumah, Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority received the AME Maritime Administrator of the Year.


The ABALSS is the premier awards project dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, integrity and quality services in Maritime and Energy sectors across the continent.


In a statement to the Ghana News Agency signed by Mr Fred Aseidu-Dartey, GSA Public Affairs, explained that preceding the conferment of the Awards, the Chairperson of ABALSS, Mrs. Remilekun Rasaq Taiwo, indicated that the AME Evergreen Award is reserved for maritime experts and stalwarts in the Maritime Industry in Africa.


She said the award is also for personalities who have shown consistency in delivering excellence not only at the national and regional levels but also at the international level.

The award is conferred on icons in the African maritime industry, who have held high the banner of Africa at the International level.


“The AME Evergreen Award conferred on Dr. Mbiah is therefore in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the development of the maritime sector not only in Ghana and Africa but also on the international scene.


“It is significant to mention that the citation that accompanied the award highlighted some of Dr. Mbiah's lofty achievements including; leading Ghana's delegation to the sessions of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for over 19 years.


“His election, for the fourth consecutive time, as chairman of the Legal Committee of IMO in 2014 and the first black man to hold that position.”


“His immense contribution to the development of various international maritime instruments, leading Ghana's delegation to the UNCITRAL sessions for the development of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea, known as the Rotterdam Rules.

“His role as resource person at a number of regional and international conferences on Maritime Transport and Trade facilitation issues and the sterling qualities exhibited in his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority”.


The citation also noted that Dr. Mbiah's track record unveils him as a beacon of excellence and an icon worth celebrating.


It stated further that, he has indeed paid his dues to the industry he has served so well for so long.


“That during the long period of service he has distinguished himself by maintaining his effectiveness and influence on the global maritime stage thus making him truly evergreen.