The Ghana Shippers' Authority was established in March 1974 and has since its establishment worked closely with other sectors of the industry in protecting and promoting the interest of Ghanaian shippers, ensuring the provision of relevant logistics for the growth of shipping in Ghana.
The Authority currently has in its database over 17000 registered Ghanaian shippers whose interest it protects in various ways on a daily basis. The Authority operates under the ministerial responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Communication and has a three tier organizational structure, viz:
The Governing Board made up of institutional representation of various importers and exporters as well as government agencies responsible for maritime trade and transport.
The import / export shipper committees mainly made up of private sector importers and exporters, from the small scale to the industrial giants who meet regularly to discuss common shipping problems affecting the shipping industry in Ghana. Currently, there are five committees serving the Southern, Western, Brong Ahafo, Bolga-Bawku and Northern Sectors of the country based in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi respectively.
The Authority's Secretariat is managed by young but seasoned and highly skilled professionals headed by a chief executive. They conduct research into all areas of shipping practice and make the necessary contacts with relevant information for informed policy decisions of government. To adequately perform its functions, the Secretariat has three branches in Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi.