Recent discussions among the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), and former Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood have highlighted pressing issues surrounding the national shipping industry and rising costs of goods in Ghana, especially in construction materials. With the closure of the Black Star Line (BSL), Ghana has lost a significant opportunity for a national shipping service that could mitigate the current challenges. Wood expressed concerns about how the management of BSL could have altered the nation’s economic landscape.
GUTA and GIFF have pointed fingers at Shipping Line Operators, identifying outdated charges that have exacerbated business costs, ultimately driving up consumer prices. Wood questioned whether the existence of state vessels would have prevented these issues, a sentiment echoed by GIFF President Edward Akrong. He emphasized the urgent need for an African-owned vessel to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives. Despite the Ghana Maritime Authority’s announcement about local ship construction by the Ghana Navy, the scale remains insufficient for international trade.
For Ghana to truly benefit from its industrialization and improve infrastructure, acquiring a vessel to facilitate the transport of economic materials is essential. Currently, merchants face logistical challenges, having to reroute through international destinations, which adds unnecessary costs and delays. Captain William Amanhyia from the Nautical Institute stressed the importance of Ghana taking the lead in acquiring a vessel for training and trade, enhancing its position in the maritime sector.
On a different but related note, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council recently conducted a training workshop on outdoor advertising regulation. The necessity for such a workshop arises from the chaotic and often hazardous placement of advertising structures throughout the city. Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey pointed out these practices pose threats to road safety and detract from the city’s visual aesthetics.
Though outdoor advertising serves as a crucial marketing tool and revenue source, it must align with established regulations and standards. Quartey emphasized the importance of adhering to the National Outdoor Advertising Standard from 2010 to safeguard road users and enhance public safety. The RCC’s intent to remove improperly placed signage demonstrates a commitment to restoring order and compliance in outdoor advertising practices.
Together, these developments call for a reevaluation of shipping and advertising practices in Ghana. Addressing the inefficiencies in the shipping sector and the haphazardness of outdoor advertising could lead to better material mobilization, improved business conditions, and increased safety in urban environments. Both sectors require urgent attention and strategic action for the overall economic and infrastructural growth of Ghana.
