Shippers’ Authority pays courtesy call on FDA, GUTA President

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has paid courtesy calls on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) on 24th January 2020 in Accra.

The visits form part of the GSA’s strategic plan to deepen its relationship with stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry with the overall objective of protecting and promoting the interests of shippers in Ghana.

Receiving the delegation from the “providers of shipping solutions,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Mrs. Delese Mimi Darko commended the GSA for the visit to discuss issues of mutual concern.

On her part, the CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ms Benonita Bismarck called for deeper consultation between the two state agencies on trade-related issues to advance the cause of traders, particularly at Ghana’s ports and borders.

The meeting discussed, among others, importers and clearing agents’ concerns about the implementation of new FDA charges on imports per LI 2386 (2019), concerns of small-scale exporters on export certification charges and examination of reefer products at the intrusive platform of MPS and the way forward to addressing them.

In a separate meeting with the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, Ms. Bismarck assured him of the GSA’s support on issues of concern to GUTA for the greater good of the trading community.

The GUTA boss emphasised the importance of dialogue and consultation by state agencies with trade associations on policy directives and initiatives to engender harmony and peaceful climate for the growth of businesses to develop the country.

He commended the GSA for showing interest in the concerns of his association and pledged its commitment to the deepening of their relationship for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Some members of the Management of the GSA, including the Heads of Freight and Logistics, Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation, Public Relations and the Tema Branch manager participated in the two meetings.