The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has developed a number of projects to aid in the facilitation of transport logistics in both the export and import value chain.

The aim is to ease congestion at Ghana’s seaport where importers and exporters have met with numerous challenges in the course of the business.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GSA, Benonita Bismarck, in a speech read on her behalf by the Tema Branch Manager, Emmanuel Kwarteng, announced this at a forum held in Tamale.

The forum which was held on the theme ‘Overcoming Trade Barriers to Enhance Export in the Northern Sector: the Role of Stakeholders’, brought together stakeholders in the shipping industry; freight forwarders, importers and exporters, security agencies as well Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to address issues confronting them as well as propose measures to enhance economic trade in the region and the country.

“The value and volume of export in any nation are major drivers of economic growth and therefore generate much revenue and create job opportunities for the country but the continuous import cannot contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of the country. Ghana’s economy has benefited far less than its potentials in the shipping industry due to over reliance on the export of raw materials and lack of value addition on exported goods,” she said.

She further explained that with the establishment of the new National Export Strategies (NES), the Authority is well equipped to address all the challenges that hinder the growth and development of the shipping industry in Ghana.

Touching of some of the challenges she noted that poor labeling and packaging of the products have resulted in locally manufactured goods falling below internationally acceptable standards. She therefore admonished the exporters to ensure they utilize appropriate labeling and packaging for their products.

Northern Sector Commander of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Acting Assistant Commissioner, Mr David Yilinan, also advised exporters and importers to ensure paying the requisite tax on their goods and desist from all illegal activities.

The Divisional Police Commander for Tamale, ACP Innocent Avevor urged exporters to learn the aspect of the constitution governing transport in the country. He further encouraged the public to report any incidence of extortion from any officer.