An executive council member of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping Stanley Raja Korshie Ahorlu has called for deliberate legislation and policy initiatives that would propel Ghana to the next step of development when it comes to the shipping and maritime industry.
Stanley Ahorlu said there are ongoing trends in the industry, and it is upon government to fashion out deliberate policies and legislation that would guarantee that Ghana benefits from where it has competitive advantage.
He said the shipping supply chain has Ghana giving away too much than she receives, adding that it’s about time Ghana taps into and profit from certain key components within the chain.
Mr. Ahorlu articulated that, “the shipping supply chain has various segments. From the warehouse of the seller to the warehouse to the receiver, everything that goes on between that, is the chain. We are asking which part of the chain we derive value from. We need to identify where we can most effectively play and then focus on that through policy and legislation, through incentive packages and through capacitation of our locals to take advantage of those segments.”
“The 2015 UNCTAD data indicate that the total shipping transport services in Ghana amounted to USD 2.318 Billion. Ghana earned only USD 457 million out of that which is approximately 20% of the value of the market. So, this is what we have to bear in mind if we are going to introduce policies or strategize because there is money out there to be made,” he added.
The maritime lawyer and entrepreneur cited how Ghana can leverage its competitive advantage in the bulk cargo business, and crude oil business for example.
Mr. Ahorlu suggested that “COCOBOD having a shipping division that enters into the export of cocoa is a way to start. Same for our bauxite and manganese. The liquid bulk carriage of our crude is also an example. It is not inconceivable that well-operating TOR could have been doing finished products with its own ships. It doesn’t necessarily have to acquire them. They could chatter and by chattering you create brokerage. Can GNPC also have a shipping division that can leverage offshore vessels. That is also an example. These alone can create other jobs in the chain.”