By Buertey Francis BORYOR

Ghana reportedly allocates approximately $2 billion each year for foreign shipping services, which underscores the nation’s heavy dependence on global maritime transportation, as stated by the Ghana Chamber of Shipping (GCS).

Stanley Raja Korshie Ahorlu, who leads the Chamber, stated that this scenario robs the nation of potential local revenue generation that could stem from a robust domestic shipping sector.

“We invest approximately $2 billion annually solely for the purpose of utilizing others’ transportation systems. A nation or continent cannot thrive economically without a robust shipping sector. This is an undeniable economic truth,” stated Mr. Ahorlu during his remarks.
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He mentioned that although the nation possesses and operates crucial port facilities – particularly the ports of Tema and Takoradi – most of the shipping industry is largely controlled by global entities.

Mr. Ahorlu explained that companies like Maersk and other global shipping giants handle the nation’s imports and export – meaning profits from shipping largely flow out of it.

Although these global firms provide top-notch services and link the nation with its trade counterparts in Asia and Europe, they impose significant costs on the domestic economy.

More concerning, he said, is lack of investment in the country’s domestic maritime space, especially in short-sea shipping, coastal shipping and inland water transport. He emphasised that these sectors remain underdeveloped and are key to the nation’s future.

“Our long-haul shipping needs are being met by international lines. But when it comes to short-sea shipping between Tema and Takoradi, or the use of our inland waterways to move cargo and passengers, that is virtually non-existent,” he said.

Additionally, he contended that the nation’s prospects—and more widely Africa’s—hinge significantly on the advancement of local maritime networks.

In an age where global supply chains are undergoing shifts and nations are pursuing increased localization of production and consumption, possessing a robust domestic maritime industry is now essential.

“If we do not enhance our capabilities in both coastal and inland water transportation, we will keep depending on external sources. In the current global landscape, this dependency places us at a significant disadvantage,” he explained further.

Ahorlu additionally highlighted the significance of developing a strong intra-African shipping network, something he considers crucial for the economic growth of both the nation and the continent.

We lack a prosperous domestic shipping sector controlled by Ghanaians, and consequently, we also don’t have an intra-African maritime industry. This represents a significant void.

He urged the nation’s maritime oversight bodies — such as the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and Volta Lake Transport Company — to enhance their efforts in fostering the growth of domestic maritime enterprises.

“There is much work to be done in establishing a local shipping sector from scratch. We must prioritize this seriously; otherwise, we’ll keep forfeiting substantial sums of money that could have remained within our economy to stimulate employment, investments, and sustainable development,” he added.

The GCS president was discussing the subject ‘
The State of Ghana’s Maritime Industry: Strengthening the Private Sector for Expansion

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