Assessing the Processes and Programmes Undertaken to Facilitate International Trade by Ghana Shippers Authority

Abstract

International trade has been one of the major factors that any developing economy has benefited from in diverse areas. Ghana, which is known to be the gateway to Africa has received enormous trade facilities through the country’s Maritime Authority. This study took a step in the maritime industry to assess how international trade does affect the shipping industry and to investigate measures undertaken by the country to facilitating international trade. The study, however, gave depth insight in facilitating international trade in Ghana shippers’ authority. The target population for the study were persons at various levels of management of the Ghana Shipping Authority (GSA). Thirty (30) respondents were used for the study. The study had a blend of qualitative and quantitative research design to make it flexible for the researchers to gather enough data for it. The findings revealed that the Shippers Authority in Ghana is financed through the revenue it generates from its operations, publications and warehousing (Facilitation of trade, rendering of Freight Service, Mobiship). And again, the Authority has also instituted various programmes that enhance their trade globally such as the MOU with landlocked countries in West Africa and the Union of African Shippers. All these activities have brought about transformation in developing the trade countries in the area of good transport systems, harmonizing of shipping and policies, axle load regime and international facilitation of forums: MOWCA, IMO and the World Shippers forum. Programmes such as the Ghana Community Network (GCNet) and Sealed Grid System (SGS) are also being used by the authority to track secure passage of transit cargo. Keywords: International Trade, Ghana shipper Authority, Maritime, Import and Export DOI : 10.7176/IAGS/76-04 Publication date :September 30 th 2019