The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Mali Shippers’ Council have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening trade facilitation, logistics coordination, and transit efficiency between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Bamako, Mali, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during a ceremony attended by officials from both institutions, importers, exporters, and members of the Consular Assembly.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, said the MoU marks a deepening of long-standing cooperation between Ghana and Mali in the area of trade and logistics.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the agreement is anchored on a shared goal of promoting “efficient, competitive, and mutually beneficial shipping and logistics services” for shippers in both countries.
The MoU covers trade facilitation, logistics coordination, information sharing, capacity building, and harmonisation of transit procedures.
As part of the arrangement, a Joint Technical Committee will be established to oversee implementation and track progress on agreed milestones.
Prof. Gyampo also highlighted challenges affecting transit trade in the sub-region, including high demurrage charges, multiple checkpoints, axle load issues, and security concerns, which he said continue to increase the cost of doing business and reduce competitiveness along the corridor.
He noted that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has been working to address these challenges through stakeholder engagement platforms, including transit shipper committees and periodic consultations with partner institutions.
He further announced the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), which he said strengthens the institution’s mandate to facilitate transit trade more effectively.
According to him, Ghana is also developing the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), a major infrastructure project expected to serve import and export trade for Ghana and neighbouring Sahelian countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
He said the facility is projected to reduce transportation costs by up to 14% for cargo handled at Tema Port and 48% for Takoradi Port, making Ghana’s corridor more competitive.
Prof. Gyampo used the occasion to invite traders and logistics operators to use Ghana as a preferred transit route and encouraged investment in the Boankra project to enhance regional trade infrastructure.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the renewed partnership would strengthen economic ties between Ghana and Mali and improve trade efficiency across the sub-region.
