Freight forwarders asked to avoid cheating the country

Koforidua, Nov. 28, GNA - The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has cautioned freight forwarders against conspiring with authorities at the Ports to cheat the country.

He reminded freight forwarders of their significant role in national development, and tasked them to deal with their clients with honesty and expose narcotic drug dealers, who might disguise prohibited drugs as genuine imports. Mr Ampofo was speaking at the opening of the 14th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), at Koforidua at the weekend.

It was on the theme: "20 years of Freight Forwarding - Challenges , Achievements and the way Forward." Mr Ampofo expressed government's appreciation to the GIFF for its contribution to revenue collection and the creation of employment. The Minister for Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, in a speech read on his behalf, advised the GIFF members to acquire appropriate Information and Communication Technology equipment and improve their capacities and competences to be able to survive the stiff competition from foreign competitors.

He appealed to them to prevent the dumping of prohibited unwholesome goods in the country. Mr Richard E. K. Lanyon, Commissioner, Customs Division, Ghana Revenue Authority, asked freight forwarders to unite and address challenges facing them.

The National President of GIFF, Mr Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, called on the government to initiate measures to stop foreigners from taking over businesses revered for Ghanaians.

He called for the establishment of "one stop shop system" to help reduce time for inspection of goods at the Ports, saying there was the need to avoid the situation whereby a particular good, would be examined on many occasions extending time spend in clearing goods at the Ports. Mr Ahenkorah expressed regret that members of the Institute were arrested at the slightest suspicion and given very high profile publicity but when they were found innocent they did not receive publicity, which affected the credibility of GIFF. 28 Nov. 10