Ghana and Mali sign agreement to facilitate transit trade
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mali Shippers’ Council to enhance and streamline transit trade between Ghana and Mali.
The agreement is expected to improve efficiency in transit operations and strengthen logistics coordination, while tackling persistent challenges such as high costs, operational bottlenecks, and security issues along the Ghana corridor.
Both institutions will also collaborate in areas including the exchange of international trade data, joint research initiatives, and the harmonisation of transit procedures.
As part of the arrangement, a joint technical committee made up of experts from both sides will be established to oversee implementation and ensure key targets are met.
According to GSA data, transit trade plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy, generating more than $34 million annually from services such as cargo handling, haulage, freight forwarding, electronic tracking, and fuel supply.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Ghana by the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Ransford Gyampo, while Kissima dit Bakissima Sylla, President of the CMC, signed for Mali. The ceremony took place in Bamako and was attended by officials, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders.
Prof. Gyampo noted that the agreement builds on an existing relationship and represents a deeper strategic partnership aimed at promoting efficient and competitive shipping and logistics services for both countries.
He explained that the collaboration would focus on supporting shippers, sharing trade data, conducting joint studies, and aligning transit systems. However, he acknowledged that issues such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, high demurrage charges, lack of transparency in cargo handling, multiple checkpoints, axle load restrictions, and security concerns continue to hinder smooth transit operations.
To address these challenges, he said the GSA has rolled out measures including stakeholder engagements, fact-finding missions, and the formation of transit shipper committees.
He added that the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) has strengthened the authority’s mandate to better facilitate transit trade and address longstanding bottlenecks along Ghana’s trade corridors.
Prof. Gyampo expressed confidence that the renewed agreement would further strengthen cooperation and deepen ties between the two institutions and their respective countries.
