Foreign Dominance Threatens Ghana’s Maritime Future – Shipping Chamber Warns
The Ghana Chamber of Shipping has raised concerns that limited involvement of local businesses in the shipping and logistics value chain poses a serious threat to the long-term growth of Ghana’s maritime industry.
At a stakeholder forum in Tema, the Chamber’s President, Stanley Ahorlu, stressed that while foreign investment plays a vital role in development, the country must ensure that Ghanaian-owned companies are able to participate meaningfully in the sector. He explained that although international shipping lines dominate long-haul trade, the value chain extends well beyond the ports, creating space for local companies to compete if the right incentives are provided.
“We can make progress and improve local participation. Foreign investment is not a bad thing—they are putting money into the country. But while long-haul shipping is dominated by major international lines, the value chain stretches from the ports into the hinterlands. That’s where we need to see more local competition, supported by the right incentives,” Ahorlu said.
Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, also expressed worry about the growing role of foreign companies in areas reserved for local businesses. He accused some shipping lines of overstepping their mandate by taking on clearing services, arguing that such activities should be strictly handled by Ghanaian companies. “I don’t blame the foreigners for taking advantage; I blame our institutions. GIFF, ACHAG, and CUBAG issue letters that allow foreigners to get licensed by Customs. Today, shipping lines are doing jobs that should belong to local businesses. How can a shipping line access my business data?” he asked.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, assured industry players that government is reviewing stakeholder inputs to strengthen regulations. She revealed that the Ministry is currently consulting on draft regulations to operationalize the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, following concerns raised about aspects of the recently passed law.
The stakeholder meeting, held under the theme “Streamlining Ghana’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector for Transparency, Efficiency and Effectiveness,” brought together policymakers, industry actors, and advocacy groups to discuss how Ghana can build a more competitive and inclusive maritime industry.
