The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has released the latest edition of its magazine on trade and transport in Accra.

The Maritime Trade and Transport digest, which seeks to provide relevant information on the maritime sector to enhance trade and transportation, was launched at the 6th National Shipper’s Day held in Accra, where stakeholders in the sector converged to discuss key issues for two days.

Published every three months in a year, the 68-paged publication provides a comprehensive overview of Ghana’s seaborne trade and shows performance of shipping lines, cargo throughput and direction of trade, as well as transit traffic statistics.

Speaking before the launch, Dr Kofi Mbiah noted that the compilation of the magazine is in line with the mandate of the Shipper’s Authority to generate maritime statistics for the purpose of undertaking studies into problems affecting shippers in the country.

“The information provided in this compilation would be useful to budding entrepreneurs preparing to enter today’s fast-paced changing business environment, not to mention its importance for the survival of those already in the business.”

He expressed the hope that it would enhance planning towards capturing a greater share of seaborne trade.

“It is hoped that this publication would be useful to shipowners and agents, freight forwarders, maritime economic operators and also spur on researchers, analysts and transport consultants to undertake more research work to improve productivity and competitiveness in the shipping industry in Ghana.”

The magazine, which publicizes the mission and vision of the Ghana Shipper’s Authority, also spells out services provided by the organization.

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority also provides legal assistance to shippers with legitimate maritime claims and arbitration services on legitimate shipping disputes.

It has resolved recurrent shipment problems such as loss or damage to cargo, late arrival of shipping documents and illegal charges levied on shippers.

GSA has established information centres at vantage locations in the country to assist shippers access trade information.

It also publishes a bi-weekly movement of vessels to and from Ghanaian ports.