By Samuel SAM
The Northern Zonal Office of Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has organised a sensitisation programme to educate media on its operations and trade advocacy efforts.
The move seeks to enhance media-knowledge on trade issues and how to help educate the public.
The programme was held in Tamale and aimed at strengthening media understanding of GSA’s operations, particularly activities of its zonal office.
The media engagement forms part of the Authority’s broader initiative to promote collaboration with media and strengthen its advocacy efforts for more efficient trade operations across the country.
By building a strong partnership with media, the Northern Zonal Office aims to ensure that challenges and successes within the trade sector receive necessary media attention, which is believed will help enhance trade facilitation in the country as well as nearby countries.
It is expected to bring peace among the sister-countries and bring about job opportunities and socio-economic development.
The event was attended by journalists and correspondents from electronic and print media houses in the Northern and Upper East Regions, and served as an educational platform for journalists to learn more about the Northern Zonal Office’s role in facilitating trade and ensuring smooth movement for cargos within the country’s Northern Sector.
In a presentation, Operations Officer-Northern Zonal Office, Abdul Karim Mushinz outlined his outfit’s core functions: including providing assistance to importers and exporters in the Northern Zone; resolving challenges faced by shippers; and managing the Northern Sector of Ghana’s transit corridors.
Northern Zonal Manager Frederick Atogiyire, in his remarks, urged journalists to investigate the challenges faced by traders and drivers along transit routes – helping bring such issues to light and holding relevant agencies accountable in ensuring the creation of a more conducive environment for trade.
Mr. Abdul Karim Muhsin on his part highlighted the importance of projecting importers and exporters’ success stories from the Northern sector.
According to him, celebrating achievements of businesses operating in the region can inspire others and showcase potentials for economic growth through trade.
Highlighting these stories can also build confidence in the sector, attracting more investments, he said.
The journalists were also encouraged to be proactive in their reporting by engaging with stakeholders in the shipping and trading sectors, ensuring that their stories reflect realities of the industry.
The GSA expressed its commitment to working closely with media to enhance their understanding of trade issues, which will ultimately benefit the broader trading community in the Northern Region and beyond.
