The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority–Customs Division (GRA-Customs) have inaugurated a Joint Working Group aimed at improving coordination, streamlining port operations, and enhancing revenue mobilisation in the commercial shipping sector.
The initiative marks a major step toward deepening inter-agency collaboration, improving service delivery, and reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
Speaking on behalf of the GSA’s CEO, Mr Prince Henry Ankrah, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, described the initiative as both timely and critical.
“The terms of reference, from digitalisation and automation to a robust monitoring and evaluation framework are designed to strengthen regulation and transform port efficiency,” he said.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts in research, stakeholder dialogue, and policy harmonisation would align national regulations with global standards, ultimately leading to improved competitiveness and government revenue optimisation.
Mr. Emmanuel Ohene, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Operations at GRA-Customs, hailed the working group as a pivotal national undertaking.
“This platform enables state institutions to jointly ensure regulatory oversight while improving clearance procedures and protecting revenue,” he noted.
The legal basis for the joint taskforce stems from two key legislations: the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) and the recently enacted Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
While Act 891 governs customs procedures and border control, Act 1122 mandates the GSA to regulate service providers and safeguard the interests of shippers.
Mr. Ankrah reaffirmed GSA’s respect for Act 891 and urged Customs to actively support enforcement under Act 1122, particularly in registering shippers and service providers and applying sanctions where needed.
GNA
