The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Mali Shippers’ Council have formalised a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering trade facilitation, logistics coordination, and transit efficiency.
This landmark agreement was signed in Bamako, Mali, on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, before a distinguished audience of institutional officials, importers, exporters, and members of the Consular Assembly.
During the ceremony, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, emphasised that the MoU represents a significant deepening of the long-standing cooperation between the two nations regarding trade and logistics.
He noted that “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,” further clarifying that the primary objective is to promote “efficient, competitive, and mutually beneficial shipping and logistics services” for shippers in both jurisdictions.
The scope of the agreement is comprehensive, encompassing trade facilitation, logistics coordination, and information sharing, alongside capacity building and the harmonisation of transit procedures.
To ensure these goals are met, a Joint Technical Committee will be established to oversee the practical implementation of the MoU and track progress against agreed milestones.
In his address, Prof. Gyampo highlighted several persistent obstacles affecting transit trade within the sub-region. He specifically lamented challenges such as high demurrage charges, multiple checkpoints, axle load complications, and security concerns, all of which inflate the cost of doing business and erode the competitiveness of the corridor.
To combat these issues, the GSA has been actively utilising stakeholder engagement platforms, such as transit shipper committees, and conducting periodic consultations with partner institutions.
Prof. Gyampo also observed that the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) has significantly strengthened the institution’s mandate to manage transit trade with greater efficacy.
Complementing these regulatory efforts is the ongoing development of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in Ghana.
The infrastructure project is designed to serve the import and export needs of Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The facility is projected to offer substantial economic advantages, potentially reducing transportation costs by 14% for cargo handled at Tema Port and by as much as 48% for Takoradi Port.
Prof. Gyampo urged traders and logistics operators to adopt Ghana as their preferred transit route.
He further encouraged sustained investment in the Boankra project to enhance the robustness of regional trade infrastructure and ensure long-term economic integration.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana