On Friday 14th June 2024, a delegation of the Board and Management of Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) called on His Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to formally introduce the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation, Mr. Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, to him.
Led by the Honourable Minister for Transport, Honourable Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the delegation used the opportunity to update the King on the progress of works at the Boankra Inland Port & Logistics Terminal (BILT), which is situated within the Ejisu Municipality.
In his introduction of the CEO, Honourable Asiamah highlighted the re-envisioning of GSA under Mr. Sarpong, which is aimed at placing the interests of the shipper at the centre of everything the organisation does to enable it to effectively promote and protect the commercial interests in the shipping industry across all modes of transportation. This, is intended to drive exponential growth within international trade to boost government revenue sustainably.
He added that, in this regard, Mr. Sarpong in concert with his team at GSA, the guidance of the governing Board and the Ministry of Transport, has elevated the BILT project to the forefront of its strategic projects across the country. They are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the project receives the requisite attention and resources for its expedited completion in reasonable time.
The Chairperson of GSA, Madam Stella Wilson, informed Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II that, the delegation visited the BILT site to apprise itself of the progress in the works going on. She said that, significant progress had been made in the civil and other earthworks, which are necessary pre-requisites for the superstructures that constitute Phase 1 of the project to be built. She added that the Board was optimistic that the financial capital required to enable further progress of work for the timely completion of the project will soon materialise.
On his part, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, in his response to the warm reception by Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, pledged total commitment to leading the team at GSA to deliver value to the entire shipping industry via the development of strategies that create demand-enhancing opportunities for their businesses. He said that, being fully mindful of the importance of a thriving business sector to the overall development and prosperity of Ghana, GSA is poised to make the next five (5) years a step-changing period for the Shipping and Logistics sector.
Mr. Sarpong added that, GSA had already begun reorganising stakeholders in the sector into zones and categories to enable bespoke services to drive the desired strategic outcomes for the mutual good of all.
Mr. Sarpong further informed Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II that the delegation visited the western rail line from Kojokrom to Manso in the Western region on Thursday 13th June 2024. He said that the delegation recognises the pivotal role the rail line will play in the effective operationalization of BILT and wanted to see firsthand the progress of work on the project. Kwesi Baffour Sarpong further said that, the delegation was impressed with the work done so far and looks forward to its timely completion, as that will impact the operationalization of BILT. With about 50% of Phase 1 which includes civil works, earthworks, road networks, drainage systems, container freight terminals, container handling facilities, bonded warehouses, Administration and Operations blocks completed, it is the expectation of GSA that, works on the rail lines across the country designed to feed BILT will be given priority attention.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II expressed his appreciation for the call on him and congratulated Kwesi Baffour Sarpong on his appointment to the august office. He entreated him to take the task handed over to him seriously in order to bring honour to Ghana.
He said that shippers and other stakeholders in the Shipping and Logistics sector and the nation at large are looking up to GSA to deliver a hassle-free port and the other strategic national projects under their purview aimed at facilitating profitable trade in Ghana and also for Ghana’s landlocked neighbours. Otumfuo, in this regard, charged the delegation to give maximum effort to the respective roles they have been assigned to make GSA’s re-envisioning a reality.
In assuring the delegation of his support for the timely completion of the BILT project, he said that, his doors are always open should his assistance be required.
The GSA delegation was made up of the following board members: Madam Stella Wilson, Dr. Yaw Adu Agyei-Gyamfi, Mrs. Linda Dennis Boateng, Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor, Mr. Seth Twum Akwaboah, and Mrs. Lawrencia Boahemaa Awuah.
Management was represented by the CEO, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong; Director of Operations, Ms. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu; Head of Operations, Mrs. Monica Josiah; Head of Business Development and Commercial Services, Mr. Fred Asiedu Dartey; Head of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Bernice L. Natue; and Ag. Head of Procurement, Mr. Enoch Brew Amofa.
Mr. Kwesi Baffour Sarpong was appointed to head the international trade cargo facilitating state agency under the Ministry of Transport in November 2023.
