Ghana is set to host a milestone event in the maritime and logistics industry with the launch of the first-ever Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit, taking place on July 28–29, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Under the theme “A Call to Duty, Accelerating Action: Transforming Ghana’s Shipping & Logistics Sector for Global Competitiveness,” the summit aims to bring together over 1,000 industry leaders, more than 100 government officials, international trade representatives, and key stakeholders to explore and shape the future of Ghana’s logistics and shipping landscape.
This timely initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector—despite its crucial role in economic development and global trade integration—continues to grapple with structural inefficiencies and regulatory challenges. These include burdensome clearance procedures, costly port operations, limited stakeholder engagement in policymaking, and infrastructure that lags behind international standards.
Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit
Studies show that Ghanaian businesses lose approximately $200 million annually due to delays and excessive storage fees at the country’s ports. Cargo clearance, which should ideally take no more than three days, often stretches between 7 and 14 days, largely due to poor inter-agency coordination and outdated systems. Additionally, operational costs in the sector are among the highest in the region, with logistics failures and high taxation contributing to a 35% increase in business expenses, ultimately burdening consumers and weakening Ghana’s appeal as a trade destination.
Access to financing remains another major barrier for many local logistics firms, limiting innovation and scalability. At the same time, underdeveloped infrastructure continues to hamper operational efficiency and competitiveness in the face of modern global trade demands.
Organizers of the summit emphasize that the gathering is designed to drive practical reforms, not just dialogue. Keynote speeches and panel discussions will feature prominent figures including: H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, Minister for Trade, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, Prof. Ransford Edward Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, CEO of the Ghana Maritime Authority.
Participants will also benefit from technology showcases, interactive exhibitions, and high-level networking forums. These components are intended to promote strategic partnerships, attract investment, and introduce innovations that can support Ghana’s logistics transformation agenda.
The summit is expected to attract a broad range of stakeholders, including logistics service providers, port authorities, shipping companies, policymakers, academics, analysts, financial institutions, and global business leaders. By fostering collaboration across these sectors, the event aspires to lay the groundwork for a more integrated, transparent, and competitive logistics system in Ghana.
With strong backing from media outlets and tech partners focused on digital trade solutions, the summit will place a strong emphasis on digitalization and automation as key drivers of future competitiveness. In essence, the summit aims to serve as a catalyst for structural change, encouraging public-private cooperation and bold policy action to position Ghana as a leader in logistics and trade facilitation in West Africa and beyond.