Sogakope: The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has engaged stakeholders to develop a unified strategy aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, improving port efficiency, and strengthening anti-corruption measures across the country's maritime industry. According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is part of a four-day Joint Facilitation Committee (FAL) and Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) Workshop, underway in Sogakope in the Volta Region, themed: 'Ensuring Efficient and Transparent Port Clearance.' This workshop gathers representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), IMANI Ghana, and members of the National Facilitation Committee, aiming to align operational plans and create a coordinated roadmap for transparent maritime operations. Participating institutions include the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Shipowners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG), Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Shippers Authority, Ghana Nav y, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Cyber Security Authority, Marine Police, Ghana Health Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Link Network Services, and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ms Janet Houghman, representing the GMA's Director-General, commended stakeholders for their commitment to improving maritime trade facilitation and promoting transparency. She emphasized the workshop's role in harmonizing the work plans of the National FAL Committee and MACN, developing anti-corruption interventions, and supporting Ghana's compliance with international maritime obligations. Ms Houghman expressed confidence that the discussions would yield practical actions to strengthen Ghana's maritime governance framework and enhance competitiveness in global shipping. Mr Stephen Adjokatcher, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), chaired the workshop, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to maximize resources a nd avoid duplication of efforts. He urged participants to concentrate on achievable outcomes that would reinforce Ghana's standing as a preferred maritime hub in West Africa. Ms Maria Gowon, Lead for West and Central Africa at the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), identified corruption as a significant challenge in the maritime industry. She explained that MACN's anti-corruption interventions focus on transparency, data-driven compliance monitoring, and enforcement of standards. Mrs Lydia Tsotsoo Odai-Tettey, Deputy Director for Maritime Sector Development at GMA, detailed efforts to develop a three-year strategic plan and action plan, emphasizing the workshop's foundation for a consolidated work plan. Mr Dennis Asare, Senior Research Associate at IMANI Ghana, noted the organization's decade-long research and advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency in Ghana's ports. He stressed the importance of enhancing coordination and strengthening accountability mechanisms to improve port eff iciency. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the workshop would produce a unified framework to enhance trade facilitation and reduce corruption risks, positioning Ghana's ports as competitive gateways for commerce.
- June 26, 2026
