Accra, Ghana – July 15, 2025 — The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has extended heartfelt congratulations to Jemilat Jawulah Mahamah and Esther Gyebi Donkor on their appointment to the Board of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), describing the move as historic and a major step forward for gender leadership in Ghana’s maritime sector.
In a statement released by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association commended the President’s decision to appoint two of the country’s most seasoned and accomplished maritime professionals to key positions on the GMA Board — with Madam Mahamah as Board Chairperson and Madam Donkor as Board Member.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of the outstanding work and commitment of these two phenomenal women to Ghana’s port, shipping, and maritime development,” the statement read. “Their appointment reflects the President’s confidence in their competence and depth of experience.”
Madam Jemilat Jawulah Mahamah currently serves as the General Secretary of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) International, and her appointment as Chairperson of the GMA Board marks a historic first — making her the first woman ever to chair the Authority. She previously served as the President of WISTA Ghana, where she led numerous initiatives promoting gender equality, maritime education, and international trade.
Known for her global influence in maritime governance, Mahamah has championed initiatives that aim to break barriers for women in the industry. Her visionary leadership and diplomatic approach to industry challenges have earned her widespread recognition both in Ghana and abroad.
“Her appointment is a true testament to her professionalism and unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive and efficient maritime ecosystem,” the Association stated.
Equally celebrated in the announcement is Madam Esther Gyebi Donkor, a long-serving stalwart of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). With more than 30 years of service, she rose to become General Manager in charge of Marketing and Public Relations, where her strategies and stakeholder-focused engagement helped strengthen the image and commercial viability of Ghana’s ports.
“Madam Donkor’s vast experience in marketing, port operations, and international maritime diplomacy makes her a valuable asset to the Board,” the Association said. “Her inclusion will undoubtedly bring clarity, direction, and strong stakeholder relations to Ghana’s maritime regulatory landscape.”
The Importers and Exporters Association emphasized that the dual appointment sends a strong signal about Ghana’s commitment to competence, inclusivity, and innovation in a sector that is critical to the country’s economic growth. The Association expressed optimism that the leadership of Mahamah and Donkor will significantly enhance the GMA’s role in regulating and promoting maritime trade while ensuring operational excellence.
“We are hopeful that their stewardship will usher in a new era of maritime transformation that reflects international best practices, gender balance, and efficiency,” said Mr. Awingobit.
The Association also pledged its support and collaboration with the GMA under the leadership of the newly inaugurated Board, reaffirming its commitment to working towards port reforms, customs efficiency, and stakeholder accountability in maritime commerce.
“We wish them a successful tenure and look forward to seeing the Authority soar under their guidance,” the statement concluded.
Below is the full press release issued by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana:
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
15/07/2025
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA CONGRATULATES MESDAMES JEMILAT JAWULAH MAHAMAH AND ESTHER GYEBI DONKOR ON THEIR APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF THE GHANA MARITIME AUTHORITY
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana extends its warmest congratulations to Mesdames Jemilat Jawulah Mahamah and Esther Gyebi Donkor on their well-deserved appointment as Board Chairperson and Board Member, respectively, of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
Their appointments are not only a reflection of the President’s confidence in their competence and depth of experience in the maritime industry but also a celebration of their exceptional contributions to Ghana’s maritime and port development.
Madam Jemilat Jawulah Mahamah, currently serving as the General Secretary of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) International, makes history as the first woman ever appointed as Chairperson of the GMA Board. Her appointment is a true testament to her visionary leadership, unwavering professionalism, and outstanding track record in maritime governance and trade facilitation. As a former President of WISTA Ghana, Madam Mahamah has consistently demonstrated transformational leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and capacity-building within the maritime sector both locally and internationally.
Madam Esther Gyebi Donkor, a revered stalwart in Ghana’s port and maritime landscape, also brings a wealth of experience to the GMA Board. With over three decades of distinguished service at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), where she rose to the position of General Manager in charge of Marketing and Public Relations, Madam Donkor has long been recognized for her exemplary work ethic, exceptional communication skills, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. Her dedication to stakeholder engagement and strategic marketing has significantly contributed to the visibility and growth of Ghana’s port infrastructure and operations.
The Association believes that their presence on the GMA Board will inject a renewed sense of direction, professionalism, and innovation needed to advance the Authority’s mandate in regulating, promoting, and sustaining Ghana’s maritime interests.
We at the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana look forward to continued collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority under their stewardship and remain confident that their collective expertise will help shape a progressive future for Ghana’s maritime industry.
Once again, congratulations to these two phenomenal women. We wish them a successful tenure.
Signed
Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit
Executive Secretary
Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana
Tel: 0243575046
