Transport unions must be disbanded – CARISCA boss
By: Rebecca Okine
The Director of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain Africa (CARISCA), Prof. Nathaniel Boso, is calling for the disbandment of transport unions in Ghana, arguing that they hinder the smooth flow of goods and services, especially from rural areas.
Speaking at a supply chain business forum and exhibition hosted by CARISCA in Accra, Prof. Boso said Ghana’s current transport system requires a complete overhaul if the country is to develop an efficient supply chain and support the government’s 24-hour industrial policy.
“We need to reset everything. You cannot build on what does not work. Be bold to dismantle it. People will complain at first, but once it starts working, they’ll stop criticizing,” he said.
Prof. Boso attributed the rising cost of goods, particularly agricultural produce, and frequent transportation delays to the influence of transport cartels and unions.
According to him, their control over logistics services disrupts the movement of goods, adds unnecessary costs, and slows down operations.
Prof. Boso singled out the overreliance on trotro drivers and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), describing their practices as ineffective in addressing Ghana’s evolving transport needs.
He urged the government to introduce policies that open the road transport industry to private sector participation.
“We need a reliable public bus system,” he stressed, adding that private operators should be empowered to offer digitized services such as online bookings to make freight and goods transport faster and more efficient.
He believes such reforms will enable the swift movement of goods within 24 hours, marking a major shift from the current system, where delays are frequent and costly.
The forum, held under the theme “Fueling Africa’s Growth: Supply Chain Innovation and Financing,” brought together business leaders, supply chain professionals, and researchers from across Africa. Participants explored strategies to improve logistics systems and drive economic growth through supply chain transformation.
