GSA holds high-level Exporters’ Forum aimed toward strengthening collaboration – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a significant move to boost Ghana’s export sector, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) hosted a high-level Exporters’ Forum on January 7, 2026. The event gathered key players from the logistics and trade ecosystem, including government agencies, investment associations, and exporters. The forum’s primary goal was to foster collaboration and address challenges affecting the export value chain, ultimately enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets.

With exports playing a crucial role in national development—contributing to GDP growth, job creation, and foreign exchange stability—the forum underscored the need for a seamless and efficient transportation process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the forum’s discussions, highlighting the strategies proposed to strengthen Ghana’s export environment and the implications for businesses.

Key Points

Background

Role of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is a statutory body established to facilitate and promote the growth of Ghana’s export sector. It serves as a bridge between exporters and regulatory agencies, ensuring that trade processes are efficient and compliant with international standards. The GSA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s trade facilitation and logistics performance.

Export Sector in Ghana

Ghana’s export sector is a vital component of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings. Traditional exports like cocoa, gold, and oil have been complemented by emerging sectors such as processed foods, textiles, and horticulture. However, the sector faces challenges that hinder its full potential, including regulatory bottlenecks, infrastructure limitations, and compliance issues.

Analysis

Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

Monica Josiah, Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at GSA, highlighted the importance of addressing regulatory and compliance obstacles. She emphasized that a seamless transport procedure is essential for the success of export transactions. Key issues include:

• Regulatory barriers that slow down export processes.
• Inadequate infrastructure affecting logistics efficiency.
• Capacity gaps within institutions responsible for export oversight.

Bank of Ghana’s Initiatives

Eric Hammond from the Bank of Ghana’s International Trade Department presented updates on export regulations. He stressed the importance of compliance with Letter of Commitment (LOC) requirements and the timely repatriation of export proceeds. Key points include:

• Export proceeds must be repatriated fully and on time to support currency stability.
• The repatriation deadline has been extended from 60 to 120 days.
• The Bank of Ghana is developing a comprehensive guide on LOC requirements.

Narcotics Control Commission’s Enforcement

Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), addressed the forum on the issue of drug trafficking in export channels. He reiterated NACOC’s commitment to preventing the use of legitimate export channels for illicit activities. Key measures include:

• Heightened vigilance and profiling at seaports and airports.
• Swift prosecution of drug-related offenses with a dedicated court in the pipeline.
• Strict enforcement against anyone facilitating drug operations.

Exporters’ Concerns

During the open forum, exporters raised several concerns affecting their operations:

• Cargo damage due to scanning and handling at Kotoka International Airport.
• ICUMS system downtimes impacting trade processes.
• Bulky permit procedures causing delays.
• The need for Ghana to acquire a dedicated cargo aircraft.
• Disinfection procedures for export cargo.

NACOC assured participants of its commitment to improving cargo handling procedures in collaboration with relevant institutions.

Practical Advice

For Exporters

Based on the discussions at the forum, exporters should:

• Ensure strict compliance with LOC requirements to avoid penalties.
• Repatriate export proceeds within the 120-day deadline.
• Maintain accurate records of export transactions for audit purposes.
• Engage with GSA and other agencies to stay updated on regulatory changes.
• Implement best practices in cargo handling to minimize damage.

For Regulatory Agencies

Regulatory agencies should:

• Simplify and streamline permit procedures to reduce delays.
• Invest in infrastructure to improve logistics efficiency.
• Enhance coordination to address systemic bottlenecks.
• Provide clear guidelines and support for exporters.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of regulations to maintain integrity.

FAQ

Conclusion

The GSA Exporters’ Forum 2026 marked a pivotal step toward strengthening collaboration within Ghana’s export ecosystem. By addressing regulatory challenges, enhancing compliance, and improving infrastructure, the forum laid the groundwork for a more competitive and efficient export sector. Continued engagement among stakeholders will be essential to implement the proposed strategies and achieve sustainable growth in Ghana’s exports.

For businesses looking to expand their export operations, staying informed about regulatory updates and best practices is crucial. The initiatives discussed at the forum offer a roadmap for overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the global market.