The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has intensified its round-the-clock operations as part of efforts to advance the implementation of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Policy within the shipping and logistics sector.
The policy, which seeks to transform Ghana into a competitive, export-driven and industrialised economy through continuous economic activity, places significant emphasis on trade facilitation, digitalisation and efficiency in key sectors such as transport and logistics.
Given the inherently continuous nature of global shipping and maritime trade, the GSA says the sector is well-positioned to support the 24-hour economy agenda, where vessels arrive at all hours, cargo is processed across time zones, and supply chains require uninterrupted coordination.
According to the Authority, effective implementation of the policy is expected to reduce cargo clearance delays, improve vessel turnaround time, ease congestion at the ports and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub serving both domestic and transit markets.
Digital systems and 24-hour service delivery
Central to the GSA’s contribution is the deployment of digital platforms designed to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to shippers.
The Authority’s ShippersApp allows importers, exporters and logistics operators to lodge complaints at any time regarding charges, delays, penalties and cargo handling issues, without being constrained by traditional office hours.
The platform is supported by a digital complaint management system that enables faster resolution of disputes and real-time engagement between shippers and the regulator.
In addition, the Authority has equipped officers with dedicated 24-hour hotline numbers to ensure continuous response to urgent operational concerns affecting cargo movement and port activities.
The hotlines include:
0206622080 (24-Hour Service)
0206022081 (24-Hour Service)
Transit monitoring and corridor efficiency
To improve regional trade facilitation, the GSA has also introduced an electronic platform for monitoring transit corridors, allowing stakeholders to report delays, unofficial charges and operational disruptions affecting cargo movement.
Complaints can be sent via 0547383875 or lodged through www.tradebarrierswa.org
for tracking and resolution.
The Authority says this system is critical to strengthening Ghana’s position as a logistics gateway for landlocked neighbouring countries.
Night operations and port oversight
As ports transition towards 24-hour operations, the GSA has increased night-time monitoring activities to ensure compliance with service standards and operational efficiency.
The Authority says its presence at ports during night operations helps identify bottlenecks, improve coordination among stakeholders and ensure continuous oversight of cargo clearance processes.
Officials are deployed in reflective “SHIPPERS” branded gear to provide visible assurance to port users operating outside regular hours.
Advocacy for reforms and cost reduction
Beyond operational monitoring, the GSA is also pushing for reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports.
The Authority is engaging stakeholders such as shipping lines, terminal operators and regulatory agencies to address excessive charges, improve transparency in fee structures and enhance service delivery across the logistics chain.
Challenges and outlook
Despite progress, the Authority acknowledges challenges including high operational costs, security concerns during night operations, infrastructure gaps, energy reliability issues and limited inter-agency coordination.
However, it maintains that these challenges are being addressed through ongoing reforms and collaboration with stakeholders.
The GSA is confident that sustained cooperation among government institutions, port operators and private sector actors will ensure the full realisation of the 24-hour economy within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority says its digital innovations, continuous monitoring systems and regulatory reforms are positioning it as a key driver of Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.
It maintains that efficient ports, responsive regulation and seamless logistics operations are essential to reducing trade costs, improving competitiveness and supporting Ghana’s broader economic transformation goals.
