The Greater Accra Regional Shipper-Committee has pledged its commitment to deepen relationship with stakeholders in the maritime transport industry to protect and safeguard interests of shippers.

At the 20th Anniversary of the Committee in Accra, Mr Adam Imoro Ayarna, the Vice President of the Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana, advised shippers to dialogue with shipping lines to increase the free days given them to clear their cargo at the ports so as to minimise payment of demurrage and other expenses.

The celebration was observed on March 28 at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra, which also marked the 100th meeting of the Committee.

Mr Niikoi Amasa, the General Manager of Port Operations at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and Mr Fechin Akoto, the Chief Revenue Officer of the Ghana Revenue Authority, took turns to address members of the Committee on measures instituted to ensure efficiency at the ports.

The Regional Shipper Committee was inaugurated in 1998.

It is to serve as a platform for shippers, shipping service providers, state agencies involved in trade facilitation and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to discuss pertinent issues and strategise on ways of resolving them.

It was inaugurated across the 10 regions.