Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping international maritime policy as Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), spearheaded the nation’s delegation at the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC-11), held in London from September 8–12, 2025.
The IMO’s CCC sub-committee plays a pivotal role in setting the rules for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes, containers, liquefied gases, and hazardous goods by sea.
Its mandate also extends to developing safety frameworks for emerging fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, while tightening inspection regimes to enhance safety and protect marine ecosystems.
This year’s meeting zeroed in on a growing challenge for global shipping: the frequent loss of containers at sea. Such incidents disrupt supply chains, endanger vessels, and pollute marine environments, creating ripple effects on trade costs and maritime safety.
Prof. Gyampo, accompanied by GSA Deputy CEO for Technical Services, Ms. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, Capt. Derrick Attachie, and Ms. Lydia Tsotsoo Odai-Tettey of the Ghana Maritime Authority, contributed to discussions that link directly to the cost and safety of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
Key proposals endorsed at CCC-11 included improved stowage planning, harmonized lashing software standards, stricter inspection of containers and securing gear, and guidelines for safer use of alternative fuels.
These measures are expected to reduce cargo losses and enhance environmental protection.
“The global conversation on container safety is not just technical – it has a direct bearing on the competitiveness of our traders and the safety of our maritime space,” Prof. Gyampo emphasized in London.
The recommendations from CCC-11 will now move to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee for final consideration.
For Ghana, active participation ensures its trade concerns are factored into global decision-making while reinforcing the country’s reputation as a maritime leader in West Africa.
