The Ghana Shippers’ Authority and the Mali Shippers’ Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation in shipping, trade facilitation, and logistics between the two countries.
The agreement, signed in Bamako, is expected to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in transit trade along the Ghana corridor, particularly for landlocked Sahelian countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, described the MoU as a significant step toward strengthening an already existing relationship between the two institutions. He noted that the partnership is anchored on a shared vision to promote efficient and mutually beneficial shipping and logistics services.
The MoU covers key areas including trade facilitation, logistics coordination, information sharing, and capacity building. It will also involve joint research, exchange of trade data, and harmonisation of transit procedures between Ghana and Mali.
To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Technical Committee comprising experts from both organisations will be established to monitor progress and deliver on agreed milestones.
Prof. Gyampo acknowledged persistent challenges affecting transit trade along Ghana’s corridor, such as high demurrage charges, multiple checkpoints, axle load issues, and security concerns. He stressed that these barriers increase the cost of doing business and reduce competitiveness.
He, however, highlighted ongoing interventions by the Authority, including engagement platforms like the Transit Shipper Committees and strengthened regulatory oversight under the newly enacted Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).
The GSA CEO also underscored the strategic importance of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), which is being developed to facilitate cargo movement between Ghana’s ports and neighbouring landlocked countries. The project is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs and improve trade efficiency.
He invited commercial operators to consider Ghana as their preferred transit corridor and called on investors to partner in the development of logistics infrastructure.
The agreement is expected to boost trade flows between Ghana and Mali while reinforcing regional economic integration across West Africa.
Story By: Eric Boateng
