Ghana Hosts African Shippers Forum

Accra. Nov. 20, CDA Consult – Ms Benonita B. Bismarck, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) on Monday outlined modalities for the 8th African Shippers' Day to be hosted by Ghana from November 22 to 24.

The over 250 delegates from West and Central Africa will discuss opportunities and challenges for shippers; scrutinize measures taken to make trade facilitation effective, the regulation or physical barriers identified in the implementation of these measures.

In an interview, Ms Bismarck explained that the delegates will also look at corrective measures taken to enhance trade facilitation and their effectiveness; and how to harness the measures for a positive impact on African’s industrialization in general and Ghana’s development in particular.

He said the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in fulfillment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of holistic transformation of the country has mobilized strategic stakeholders to participate in the event.

“We are using the platform also to market Ghana as well as take advantage of the huge business opportunities for our stakeholders to foster close interaction between users of shipping services on the demand side and shippers on the supply side within the West and Central African for co-operation.

Ms Mismarck revealed that shipping accounts for over 90 per cent of the total volume of external trade in West and Central Africa and is seen as being invaluable to the economic development of the respective countries.

While nations have engaged in shipping activities over the years, the realisation has dawned that much success can be achieved through sub-regional co-operation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers’ Authority noted that it is in the light of this that the Union of African Shippers Council resolved to organise an African Shippers' Day as a forum to bring together the supply and demand sectors of the industry.

She said “We are encouraging indegenous participation in the provision of shipping services. The Government of Ghana will continue to create an enabling regulatory framework for the private sector which has been identified as the main engine of growth to actively participate in the investment and provision of maritime transport services.

She said Ghana and Africa must begin to add value to our natural resources as that’s the only way we can compete globally.

High profile delegates attending the forum from the Ghana side includes Ministers Trade, Transport, Foreign Affairs, as well as officials and representatives from Ghana Revenue Authority, the Custom Division, GCnet, and stakeholder from the local shipping community.