Professor Ransford E.V. Gyampo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), has embarked on a proactive mission to streamline Ghana’s shipping sector and reduce operational costs. His recent engagement with key stakeholders in the air freight industry at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) marks a significant step in this endeavor. The visit, which included meetings with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Aviance Ghana, Swissport Ghana, and freight forwarders, underscores the GSA’s commitment to understanding the challenges and opportunities within the air cargo ecosystem. Prof. Gyampo’s approach emphasizes collaboration and open dialogue as critical components of achieving the overarching goal of enhancing efficiency and reducing shipping expenses.
The meeting with GACL, the entity responsible for managing Ghana’s airports, solidified the collaborative spirit between the two organizations. Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL, welcomed the GSA’s initiative and pledged her organization’s continued support. This partnership is crucial for implementing the necessary improvements within the airport environment that will facilitate smoother cargo processing. The subsequent tours of Aviance Ghana and Swissport Ghana, two leading cargo handling companies, provided Prof. Gyampo with firsthand insights into their operations and the specific challenges they face. This on-the-ground assessment is essential for developing targeted solutions that address the practical realities of air freight handling.
Prof. Gyampo’s engagement with the air freight sector follows similar interactions with stakeholders in the sea and land freight industries. This comprehensive approach highlights the GSA’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges across the entire shipping and logistics landscape. His visits to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Meridian Port Services (MPS), shipping lines, and border agencies demonstrate the breadth of his initiative. By engaging with all segments of the industry, Prof. Gyampo aims to develop a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of these sectors and create integrated solutions that benefit all parties involved.
A critical component of Prof. Gyampo’s strategy is aligning the GSA’s actions with President John Mahama’s vision of economic transformation through reduced business costs. This focus on economic growth underscores the importance of an efficient and cost-effective shipping sector as a catalyst for broader economic development. By streamlining operations and reducing expenses within the shipping industry, the GSA aims to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the national economy. This approach emphasizes the significance of the shipping sector as a key driver of economic progress.
The discussions with Aviance Ghana and Swissport Ghana revealed both positive aspects and significant challenges within the air freight sector. While Aviance Ghana pledged continued collaboration and expressed confidence in its contribution to Ghana’s global visibility, Swissport Ghana raised concerns about declining performance in the sector. Mr. Gerald Suckling, Managing Director of Swissport Ghana, attributed the downturn to reduced production of goods, leading to the withdrawal of some cargo airlines from the Ghanaian market. He also identified persistent issues like delayed cargo clearance, often stemming from inadequate importer preparation and funding constraints. These insights provide valuable context for understanding the complexities within the air freight industry and the need for targeted interventions.
The meeting with freight forwarders at KIA brought to light several operational frustrations, particularly concerning the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). Forwarders complained about the system’s unreliability, frequent breakdowns, and the consequent delays and escalating costs. Specific issues raised included discrepancies between declared and actual cargo weights, hindering the use of pre-clearance options, and delays in permit issuance. Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of Operations at the GSA, encouraged forwarders to formally document and report these issues to the Shipper Support Unit at KIA, assuring them of investigations and potential refunds or redress where appropriate. This commitment to addressing the concerns of freight forwarders demonstrates the GSA’s dedication to creating a more transparent and responsive shipping environment. The ongoing engagement with various stakeholders and the commitment to addressing the identified challenges signifies a promising step toward a more efficient and cost-effective shipping sector in Ghana, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth objectives.
