The Ghana Shippers’ Authority says it has introduced round the clock services and digital systems to support the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy and improve efficiency at the country’s ports and transit corridors.
The Authority says the measures are aimed at reducing cargo delays, improving trade facilitation and strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional logistics hub for West Africa.
Under the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, key sectors including trade, transport, manufacturing and logistics are expected to operate continuously to boost productivity, attract investment and create jobs.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority said the shipping and logistics sector is central to the success of the policy because global trade operates without interruption.
According to the Authority, faster cargo clearance, quicker vessel turnaround times and smoother movement of goods across transport corridors could help reduce the cost of doing business and improve Ghana’s competitiveness.
To support the initiative, the Authority has expanded its digital complaint management systems through the ShippersApp, which allows importers, exporters and freight operators to report issues such as excessive charges, operational delays and cargo handling problems at any time of day.
The Authority said the platform enables users to receive support outside normal office hours and improves the speed of dispute resolution within the shipping and logistics chain.
It has also introduced dedicated 24-Hour complaint response lines to help address urgent operational concerns during night operations at the ports and along cargo routes.
The Authority said it has further strengthened monitoring on transit corridors through an electronic platform that allows drivers and cargo operators to report delays, harassment, unofficial charges and other trade barriers in real time.
As part of the new measures, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority said it has intensified night monitoring at the ports and increased staff presence during after hours operations.
Officials wearing reflective branded apparel are now deployed during night shifts at the seaport and airport to monitor operations and assist shippers.
The Authority said it is also engaging shipping lines, terminal operators and other stakeholders to push for lower port charges and reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
Despite the progress, the Authority acknowledged several challenges facing the implementation of round the clock maritime operations.
These include high operational costs, security concerns during night activities, staffing difficulties, inadequate lighting in some operational areas, unstable power supply, limited digital connectivity and weak coordination among agencies.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority said it remains committed to addressing the challenges and ensuring continuous support for shippers as Ghana advances its 24-Hour Economy policy.
It said stronger collaboration between government institutions, port operators, logistics companies and trade stakeholders would be critical to achieving the broader goal of economic transformation and regional trade integration.
