Ghana will host the first-ever Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit in July 2025 – an ambitious initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s shipping, transport and logistics landscape.
The two-day event, spearheaded by Akwaabaa Communication, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, is themed: “Accelerating Action: Transforming Ghana’s Shipping & Logistics Sector for Global Competitiveness.”
The summit comes at a pivotal time for Ghana, as the nation’s shipping and logistics sectors face mounting challenges – from regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure gaps to soaring operational costs.
According to industry assessments, delays at Ghana’s ports cost businesses an estimated $200 million annually in demurrage and storage fees, severely affecting trade flows and economic performance.
Cargo clearance times at the country’s ports typically range from 7 to 14 days—far above the global benchmark of 1 to 3 days – while logistics inefficiencies and taxes can inflate costs by as much as 35 percent.
These high operational charges, coupled with fragmented regulations and the absence of stakeholder-inclusive policy formulation, have weakened Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub and raised the cost of living for its citizens.
“Despite the sector’s significant potential to drive trade, job creation, and industrial growth, it is being held back by deep-rooted inefficiencies,” organizers stated. “We need a coordinated and transformative approach that fosters collaboration between government, private operators, and international partners.”
The summit aims to offer precisely that – bringing together over 1,000 CEOs, more than 100 government officials and a broad cross-section of stakeholders including port authorities, transport and cargo logistics operators, policymakers, investors, financial institutions and academia.
Through keynote speeches, in-depth panel discussions and interactive exhibitions, participants will engage in intensive dialogue to propose actionable reforms.
The agenda will prioritise issues such as cost reduction, regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and access to credit for logistics operators.
Another key focus of the summit will be the promotion of digital trade facilitation tools. Organizers highlight that technology providers and digital innovators will play a central role in discussions, particularly around customs automation, cargo tracking, and data integration. This aligns with the growing recognition that technology can help streamline Ghana’s supply chains and enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Furthermore, the summit is expected to serve as a strategic platform for international trade partners and potential investors to explore business opportunities in Ghana’s logistics sector, especially as the country continues to position itself as a gateway to West Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Organizers also pointed to the urgent need for policy coherence and better access to financing. Many local logistics providers are unable to expand or innovate due to limited access to affordable credit, further entrenching inefficiencies and stifling growth. Addressing this financing gap is expected to be a major topic at the summit, with input from banks, development finance institutions, and international donors.
With support from media partners and digital transformation advocates, the summit promises not only to foster dialogue but also to catalyze long-term change.
The outcomes of the summit will be widely disseminated to ensure transparency, accountability, and momentum toward implementation.
The post Ghana to Host Maiden International Shipping & Logistics Summit appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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