Ghana Shippers’ Authority Engages Sahel Partners to Safeguard Trade Flows

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has engaged shippers’ councils from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to safeguard trade flows to the Sahel following growing congestion at the Tema Port and concerns over its impact on regional trade.

The engagement comes after recent media reports highlighted mounting pressure on cargo clearance at Tema, with fears that prolonged delays could increase costs for businesses and shippers who use Ghana as a gateway to the Sahelian markets.

The concerns have now drawn the attention of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which are seeking urgent engagement with Ghanaian port stakeholders over containers destined for their markets that have been affected by the congestion.

In a meeting with a Joint Mission of Sahelian States led by the Director General of the Burkina Shippers’ Council, Mrs Denise Bado Bonda, the latter raised concerns about the effect of the congestion on cargo destined for the three countries, explaining that delays at Tema were slowing manufacturing activities and affecting other sectors, including education.

“At the centre of the concern were about 100 containers carrying essential school supplies stranded at the port, with the delay affecting Burkina Faso’s education system,” she said.

She disclosed that the situation had prompted the governments of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali to form a joint committee to engage critical Ghanaian port stakeholders and agencies to address the challenges before they deteriorate further.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, assured the delegation that government was conscious of the importance of trade facilitation and would do everything possible to ensure that recent developments do not derail gains made in the commercial shipping sector.

“Together, we will work to address the issues so that they do not degenerate into demurrage, the fee shippers pay for overstayed cargo at the port, and other avoidable costs that could lead to an increase in the cost of goods,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of adequate truck parking facilities in easing pressure on port operations and improving conditions for truck drivers, disclosing that plans were underway for a befitting truck park in Tema.

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