Benonita Bismarck replaces Kofi Mbiah as CEO of Shippers’ Authority
A Strategic Planner and Management Consultant, Ms Benonita Bismarck, will replace Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA).
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She was appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in line with section 8 (1) of the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 1974 (N.R.C.D 254).
The appointment follows the retirement of Dr Mbiah who had been the CEO of the authority since 1999.
His retirement brings to an end 35 years of an illustrious working life with the GSA. He is the longest-serving CEO in the 43-year history of the authority.
He first announced his retirement in November last year when he addressed the 11th Maritime Law Seminar for Judges of the Superior Courts.
Mbiah’s achievements
Dr Mbiah first joined the GSA in 1982 as an Assistant Legal Officer and rose through the ranks to become the CEO in 1999.
As helmsman of the authority, working together with his able management and staff, he has been able to accomplish great feats.
He prides himself on the building of a robust corporate culture, unparalleled motivation of staff for increased output, improved staff welfare and high staff morale.
He also crafted the vision, mission and organisational values of the GSA, as well as four five-yearly strategic plans.
These have helped the authority to journey on a clearly defined path in ensuring the strengthening of its structures for delivering on its mandate of protecting and promoting the interests of shippers in Ghana.
It was during his tenure that GSA completed its $16.5-million multipurpose office complex at Ridge in Accra.
The facility is also expected to be a one-stop shop for shipping and related service providers in the country.
As a one-stop shop, it will serve as a rallying point for shippers, transit shippers and all stakeholders in the trade and transport industry in West and Central Africa.
Dr Mbiah also presided over the expansion of the activities of the authority to all the 10 regions through the shipper committee concept and the establishment of shipper complaints and support units at key entry/border points.
Under his leadership, the authority also acquired lands for future development in the Central, Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti and Northern regions for future projects.
For over two decades, he led Ghana's delegation to the sessions of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organisation; serving as vice chairman of the Legal Committee for over 10 years and chairman for six years.
He was the first black man to hold the position.