Customs Brokers Association advocates Eco-friendly shipping

The Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG) has held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2024 with a call on brokers and freight forwarders to start dialoguing and advocating for an industry climate action plan that highlights a transition from fossil fuels to green energy sources and a sustainable future.

The event, under the theme; ÒTogether Ð Innovating Pathways to SuccessÓ brought together industry players across the country to deliberate on issues affecting the association and the shipping industry in the country.

Speaking at the AGM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, the President of CUBAG, Nana Fredua Agyemang Ofori-Atta said as shipping lines were being pressured to shift towards a low to zero carbon path which calls for accelerated energy transition and adoption of green technologies and cleaner alternative fuels, there was the need for brokers and forwarders to position themselves to transition alongside.

He said the government must balance investment and trade solutions to address climate challenges, stressing that Òthis calls for a concerted industry-wide advocacy for a strategic policy shift.

Ghana needs a gradual transition from trailers to freight trains that run on green or renewable energy sourcesÓ he said 

Nana Ofori-Atta said another untapped resource was the exploitation of inland water ways for coordinated freight transportation adding that these would save the nation the high cost of road infrastructure development, required maintenance, associated road traffic accidents (RTAs) and fatalities, improve transit times while boosting cross-border trade, especially with GhanaÕs land-locked neighbours.

Risk assessment 

Nana Ofori-Atta  also stressed the need for members to integrate risk assessment and vulnerability reduction criteria, as well as increase their digitalization and data driven method in their business models.

Satisfaction 

Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, in charge of Operations, Emmanuel Gilbert  Ohene, on behalf of the GRA Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, noted that it is important for freight forwarders in the country to uphold higher ethical standards in the discharge of their duties to ensure that importers get the derived satisfaction from their services.

He said the future of GhanaÕs shipping industry layed in the  collective hands of brokers and forwarders stressing it was only through collaboration and innovation that all stakeholders could address the challenges facing the industry while positioning themselves for future success.

ÒAt Customs, we are mindful of the changing dynamics of global trade, driven by technology, evolving trade agreements, and heightened security concerns. In response, we are committed to modernizing our operations to align with international best practices.Ó He said 

The General Manager in-charge of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Esther Gyebi-Donkor, who chaired the function on behalf the Board Chairman of the Authority, Isaac Osei underscored the importance of the theme because the industry was dynamic and there was the need for brokers and forwarders to  be resilient and sustainable and position themselves to positively influence the shipping industry.

Solidarity 

Some executives from the Association of Customs House Agents Ghana, the  Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders  Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, AND GPHA were present to solidarize with members of CUBAG 

The Tema District Secretary of GIFF, Samuel Addy underscored the need for collaboration among the various trade association in the sector to effectively and efficiently facilitate trade and not fraud, embrace technology and artificial intelligence and promote ethically behavior among brokers and forwarders. 

Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com