Shippers’ Authority CEO Engages Air Freight Stakeholders to Tackle Rising Business Costs
In a bid to reduce the cost of doing business within the air freight sector, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has embarked on a series of strategic engagements with key stakeholders at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The initiative, spearheaded by the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Professor Ransford E.V. Gyampo, is aimed at identifying and resolving operational challenges impacting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cargo movement by air.
During his tour, Prof. Gyampo and his delegation met with top executives from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Aviance Ghana, Swissport Ghana, and various freight forwarding companies operating at the airport.
The Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration across the air logistics chain. She noted that “working closely with the Shippers’ Authority is essential for enhancing the overall competitiveness of the industry,” and assured the Authority of GACL’s full support for future reforms.
At Aviance Ghana, Managing Director Mr. Mark Kamis applauded the GSA’s hands-on approach to stakeholder engagement. “We appreciate the open dialogue and are ready to contribute meaningfully to efforts that will improve Ghana’s positioning on the global logistics map,” he said.
However, at Swissport Ghana, Managing Director Mr. Gerald Suckling expressed concern over dwindling cargo volumes and declining exports. He attributed these issues to challenges such as delays in clearing goods and lack of preparedness by some importers. Prof. Gyampo acknowledged the concerns and assured him of the GSA’s commitment to resolving bottlenecks that deter business growth. “Our objective is to create a more business-friendly ecosystem where shippers and service providers can thrive,” he stated.
Freight forwarders at KIA also raised recurring issues related to the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), citing frequent system breakdowns and permit delays as major cost drivers. In response, the GSA encouraged affected stakeholders to promptly report such incidents to the Shipper Support Unit at the airport for redress.
Prof. Gyampo reiterated the Authority’s mission under the new GSA Act, 2024, to protect the interests of all shippers — whether by sea, land, or air — and to hold service providers accountable to higher performance standards. “We are committed to ensuring that Ghana’s freight environment becomes not only efficient but also globally competitive,” he added. The engagement forms part of a broader GSA agenda to make Ghana a hub for reliable and cost-effective logistics services in the sub-region.
