Ghana and Mali Strengthen Trade Ties as Shippers’ Authorities Sign New MoU in Bamako

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Mali Shippers’ Council (CMC) have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation in transit trade, logistics, and trade facilitation between the two countries. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday in Bamako, Mali, where the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Prof. Ransford E. V. Gyampo, led Ghana’s delegation.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Gyampo described his first visit to Bamako as memorable, praising the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Mali Shippers’ Council. He noted that the new MoU represents not just a continuation of an existing relationship but a significant strengthening of a strategic partnership built over many years.

According to him, the agreement covers key areas including trade facilitation, logistics coordination, information sharing, and capacity building. It will be implemented through mutual assistance to shippers, exchange of international trade data, joint research, and harmonisation of transit procedures between the two countries. A Joint Technical Committee made up of experts from both sides will oversee the implementation.

Prof. Gyampo highlighted Ghana’s longstanding commitment as a coastal nation to supporting transit trade in line with regional and international conventions. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges along the Ghana corridor, including high demurrage charges, non-transparent handling of transit cargo, numerous checkpoints, extortion, axle-load issues, and security concerns. These, he said, continue to increase the cost of doing business for transit operators.

He outlined interventions the GSA has deployed over the years to address these concerns, such as the establishment of Transit Shipper Committees—recently designated as the National Transit Coordinator—regular engagements with transit stakeholders, and fact‑finding missions along the corridor.

The GSA CEO also announced the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which grants the Authority an enhanced mandate to facilitate transit trade more effectively. He expressed confidence that the new law will empower the GSA to tackle longstanding bottlenecks more decisively.

Prof. Gyampo further highlighted the development of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), a major logistics hub being facilitated by the Ministry of Transport. Strategically located in central Ghana, the BILT is expected to serve the northern half of Ghana and Sahelian countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The facility is projected to reduce transportation costs by 14% for cargo through Tema Port and 48% for cargo through Takoradi Port.

He encouraged commercial operators to choose Ghana as their preferred transit corridor and invited investors with the requisite expertise to partner in the development of the BILT.

Prof. Gyampo concluded by reaffirming the GSA’s commitment to reducing business costs at Ghana’s ports and enhancing transit trade efficiency. He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Mali Shippers’ Council, led by Mr. Kissima dit Bakissima Sylla, for their warm hospitality and expressed optimism that the renewed MoU would further strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and their respective countries.