Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mali Shippers’ Council in Bamako. The agreement is aimed at strengthening transit trade and logistics between the Ghana and Mali.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on April 21, 2026, Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, hailed the MoU underscoring its significance in deepening an already existing strong partnership.
“This event marks not only the continuation of a relationship but also the deepening of a strategic partnership that has been nurtured over the years between our two organisations,” he said.
Prof. Gyampo disclosed the MoU covers key areas including trade facilitation, logistics coordination, information sharing, and capacity building, all aimed at improving efficiency for shippers in both countries.
“Our collaboration is anchored on a shared vision: to promote efficient, competitive, and mutually beneficial shipping and logistics services for the benefit of shippers in both Ghana and Mali,” Prof. Gyampo stated.
As part of the agreement, a Joint Technical Committee comprising experts from both sides will be established to oversee implementation and ensure progress.
Prof. Gyampo related to some challenges bedeviling the trade corridor despite successes chalked.
“Tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to impede transit trade, negatively affecting the haulage of transit cargo,” he noted, citing issues such as high demurrage charges, multiple checkpoints, and security concerns.
“These add to the cost of doing business and reduce the competitiveness of our commercial operators,” he added.
He, however, highlighted ongoing interventions by the GSA to address these concerns, including the establishment of Transit Shipper Committees and regular stakeholder engagements.
Prof. Gyampo also pointed to the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 as a game-changer for transit trade.
“This new mandate will not only strengthen the Authority’s capacity to support your international trade but also enable us to deal more decisively with the challenges that have long impeded the smooth functioning of the transit trade regime in Ghana,” he said.
A key highlight of his address was the development of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), a major infrastructure project expected to transform trade flows in the region.
“It is expected to save 14% of the total transportation cost for cargo handled at Tema Port and 48% for those handled at Takoradi Port,” he revealed.
Prof. Gyampo used the platform to invite investors and logistics operators to take advantage of Ghana’s growing transit infrastructure.
“I take this opportunity to invite commercial operators to make Ghana the preferred transit corridor,” he urged.
In conclusion Prof. Gyampo assured of the Authority’s commitment to reducing the cost of doing business and strengthening trade ties between Ghana and Mali.
“We are confident that this renewed MoU will further cement the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our institutions and our two countries,” he assured.
