Prof Gyampo Outlines GSA Reforms and 2026 Priorities

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is embarking on a significant transformation, driven by the newly enacted Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122). Chief Executive Officer Prof. Ransford Gyampo has outlined stringent discipline, cost-cutting measures, and strategic priorities extending to 2026 and beyond.

Addressing management at the Authority’s 32nd Management Workshop in Peduase, Prof. Gyampo explained that the new law fundamentally shifts the GSA’s role from a facilitator to a regulator of commercial shipping activities across sea, air, and land.

“The passage of Act 1122 in 2024 ushered in a new regulatory architecture for the Authority,” he stated, emphasizing the need for “a heightened level of institutional discipline, coordination, and professionalism” to navigate this change.

Cost Reduction and Regulatory Interventions

The GSA has already begun actively asserting its expanded regulatory powers to alleviate the financial burden on shippers. A key achievement, Prof. Gyampo revealed, is securing a directive from the Bank of Ghana to address inconsistencies in foreign exchange rate applications by shipping service providers.

Furthermore, the Authority has approved new charges for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) concerning heavy-duty equipment handling and successfully deferred a proposed USD250 charge on imported earth-moving equipment by the Minerals Commission. It also rejected a planned increase in cargo handling fees at the Kotoka International Airport.

“We have proposed a significant reduction in the Container Administrative Fees charged by shipping lines,” Prof. Gyampo said, projecting savings of “over USD 100 million annually” for shippers upon full implementation following stakeholder consultations.

Proposals are also underway to revise disinfection and fumigation charges at ports, advocating for the phasing out of blanket fumigation and the introduction of sunset clauses tied to identified risks, aligning with government efforts to reduce the cost of doing business.

Infrastructure and Logistics Development

Progress continues on vital logistics projects, with the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reaching 85% completion of its first phase by August 2025. “We have secured the requisite approval to maintain the BILT contractor and the consultants at the project site through the payment of some agreed sums,” Prof. Gyampo confirmed, adding that securing a private sector partner remains a priority.

Construction of the Akatekyiwa Freight Park is also underway, alongside preparatory work for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres in Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu, and Gonokrom. Planning for a Tema Shippers Centre is also in progress.

Discipline and Accountability at the Forefront

Prof. Gyampo issued a stern warning regarding internal discipline, declaring “zero tolerance for laxity in all its forms,” including lateness, laziness, gossip, and the spread of misinformation. “These behaviours are corrosive; they undermine discipline, erode trust, and sabotage every genuine effort to build a focused, goal-driven organisation,” he stressed.

He also strongly criticized the lingering “government-work attitude,” deeming it “a relic of a colonial past” and incompatible with a modern, high-performing public institution.

Strategic Priorities and Challenges

Acknowledging existing challenges such as inadequate funding, rising port costs due to inefficiencies, and fragmented inter-agency coordination, Prof. Gyampo affirmed the Authority’s alignment with key government initiatives. These include port fee rationalization, the 24-Hour Economy initiative, trade facilitation, export promotion, infrastructure development under the “Big Push” agenda, port digitization, exchange rate stability through GoldBod, and the promotion of intra-African trade via AfCFTA.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, he outlined six strategic priorities: institutional excellence and human capital development, reduction of shipping-related costs, accelerated logistics infrastructure development, stronger regional and international partnerships, digital transformation, and the passage and implementation of the GSA Legislative Instrument.

Commitment to Stakeholders

Prof. Gyampo reiterated his commitment to establishing the GSA as a robust and impartial regulator dedicated to “forcefully and fairly protect[ing] the interests of all within the shipping enclave as enshrined in the GSA Act, 2024.” He commended the Authority’s Governing Board, describing it as “phenomenal and supportive,” and expressed confidence in achieving the government’s objectives for the shipping industry with clearly defined performance indicators and strategic direction.

The workshop concluded with a renewed call for focus, unity, and professionalism as the GSA prepares for the 2026 operational year.

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