GSA to introduce ShippersApp
Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), is to introduce a new shipping platform that will allow shippers to access timely shipping information using their mobile phones.
Dubbed ‘ShippersApp’, the platform has been equipped with information on charges in the ports, vessel arrivals, maritime statistics, contacts and locations of shipping lines and agencies and industry news.
The application is also expected to serve as a platform for shipper enquiries and complaints,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Ms Benonita Bismarck, announced this at a maritime seminar in Accra.
“In its quest to be consistent and become a one-stop house for shipping information, the authority will soon launch the ShippersApp.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage all shippers, shipping service providers, the media and the general public to download the ShippersApp on App Store or Google Play store,” she said.
She explained that with the introduction of the platform, the authority would make shipping information readily available to shippers on their mobile phones in any part of the world.
The seminar
The seminar is the sixth in a series organised by the GSA, in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), for media practitioners in the country.
The main purpose for organising the seminar for media practitioners is to improve their knowledge in current developments in the country’s trade and shipping sector.
Ms Bismarck observed that the authority considered the dissemination of relevant information on shipping related issues to shippers and other stakeholders as very significant in fulfilling its mandate.
“It has, therefore, become imperative that media practitioners, who are the conveyors of such critical information to the public, are regularly empowered through seminars of this nature.
“I want to commend our media houses for their contribution towards the development of the shipping industry in recent times. I have noticed some media houses have devoted whole pages and programmes to shipping and trade related issues,” she added.
She also commended the leadership of the GJA for its continuous cooperation with the authority in organising these seminars over the years.
“We consider the media as a principal stakeholder in our quest to provide shipping solutions and accurate information to shippers.
We shall continue to deepen our relationship with the media for our mutual benefit,” she added.
Tema Port expansion
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, indicated that the expansion of the Tema Port would boost the government’s employment creation drive.
“With the bulk handling jetty, six mobile harbour cranes and additional new tugboats and a security patrol boat, additional hands would be needed,” he added.
The deputy minister said with the reconstruction of the access road to the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), the youth especially would be gainfully employed.
He said Ghana was positioning itself to become the best maritime hub for trade in the sub-region with port expansion project, as well as other policy interventions such as the Paperless Port System to make the Takoradi and Tema ports more competitive.
He added that the development would also reduce the cost of doing business, improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue.
