The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has organised a forum for exporters and shipping service providers operating at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.

On the theme, “The Utilisation of Appropriate Logistics for safe and secure Exportable Products at KIA,” the forum is the seventh in a series and seeks to update stakeholders in the shipping industry on developments in the industry.

The September 30 edition followed previous fora organised by the GSA for exporters in Tamale, Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, Somanya and Bolgatanga.

Some shipping service providers and exporters appealed to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) operating at the KIA to streamline their activities to ensure timely regulatory compliance to avoid delays.

Some of the agencies include the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) - Customs Division, Plant Protection and Regulatory Service Directorate (PPRSD), Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

Equip shippers

In a welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GSA, Ms Benonita Bismarck, said the authority recognised the need to equip shippers with information, knowledge and capacity to gain competitive advantage in international trade.

That, she said, was the reason behind the organisation of regular workshops to educate and sensitise them to issues of importance in the industry.

“We sympathise with shippers and shipping service providers for the severe impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on their businesses.

“As the situation is gradually being normalised by the lifting of restrictions, the dynamics of international trade will change and, therefore, shippers will be required to refocus, equip and build their capacity to meet the emerging trends of these markets through policy responses, improved best shipping practices and taking personal responsibilities,” the Head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the GSA, Mr Emmanuel Arku, read the speech on behalf of the CEO.

More than 60 participants, including exporters and export trade associations such as the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) and some shipping service providers, attended the seminar.