The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) has called on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to seek support in the management of Ghana’s port transport regime.
This came up when the leadership of JAPTU paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GSA, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, on Monday, 3rd February 2025 to congratulate him on his appointment and pledge their support.
The Executive Secretary of JAPTU, Ibrahim Musah, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Association and the GSA, acknowledging the numerous forms of assistance received by truck drivers to facilitate their operations.
“Over the years, our work has primarily focused on organising truck drivers who operate at our ports. We aim to ensure that they conduct their business in a manner that promotes transit trade and upholds Ghana’s economic interests. To achieve this, we have implemented measures such as registering truck drivers on the NFC Driver Card and monitoring their operations from the port to their final destination to prevent the diversion of goods and other illicit activities” he said.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo commended JAPTU for their effort in protecting and promoting the interests of shippers. He encouraged the Association to remain committed to ensuring that cargo transportation from Ghana’s ports is well-organised: “We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with you and so, our doors are always open. We want to create an enabling environment for all, and key Associations like yours will play an integral role in facilitating trade both domestically and internationally.”
The Head of Business Development and Commercial Services, Fred Asiedu-Dartey, took the opportunity to remind JAPTU’s leadership that the GSA Act 2024, Act 1122, mandates the registration of all shipping service providers, including truck drivers. He assured them that measures would be put in place to implement this through data sharing or other convenient means.
The Head of Operations, Monica Josiah on her part, expressed concern about the overloading of cargo trucks which leads to rapid deterioration of the country’s roads.
The Executive Chairman of JAPTU, Shamsu Babayaro, reiterated the Association’s readiness to support the GSA in the implementation of its laws on the registration of service providers. He also revealed that JAPTU had developed a proposal on curbing overloaded trucks, which would be shared with the GSA to solicit support for its successful implementation. The proposal aims to rid Ghana’s roads of overloaded cargo trucks.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo expressed his gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with JAPTU.
