Experts call for supply chain resilience amidst challenges

Vice President in charge of Logistics at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana, Mr. Ephraim Asare, has urged organizations to build resilience in their supply chains to withstand challenges.

Speaking on the challenges facing supply chains in organisations on Eye on Port, he highlighted issues such as raw material shortages, delivery delays, climate change, and child labor.

"We need to employ information technology to aid us in our production," he said.

"Businesses need to learn to mitigate risks when they arise. We are born to solve challenges and troubles, not to come and put our hands on our heads," he said.

Contributing to the discussion, Mr. Patrick Andoh, Executive Secretary of CILT Ghana, emphasized the importance of supply chain management.

"If a country's supply chain is threatened, it will have a serious repercussion on the economy," he said.

"When supply chain faces challenges in organizations, the free flow of products and services will also break down," he stated.

He noted that supply chain has become a function within organizations and countries, and if attention is not given, it becomes a problem.

"If a country wants to have the best in whatever they do, it becomes a supply chain," he said and added that "If a corporate organization wants to succeed and be the competitive edge, it's not branding or sales but supply chain."

Mr. Asare appealed to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to hold on to transit trade and engage in periodic roundtable discussions with stakeholders.

"We should try to hold on to the transit trade and get information," he said.

"Let's get these various Chambers on the round table regularly. Meetings must be religiously conducted and assure them that the Tema and Takoradi ports are the safe corridor for them," he added.

He emphasized the need for hospitality towards stakeholders, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquartered in Ghana.

"We can use these stretches to bring them onboard," he said. "The Inland flow of traffic will be very beneficial to the sub-region."

Mr. Andoh hinted that transportation, warehousing, and inventory are the three keys that come to play in supply chain management. He noted that although there are other functions within the supply chain, such as packaging, consolidation, and break-bulk, material handling has become key in fostering supply chain management.

Mr. Asare and Mr. Andoh emphasized the need for organizations to prioritize supply chain resilience, invest in innovation, and foster collaboration to build robust supply chain networks.

By doing so, they can ensure the free flow of products and services, driving economic growth and competitiveness.