As part of the move to deepen the partnership, a delegation from CILT has paid a working visit to the Head Office of the GSA in Accra to engage officials of the authority on how to ensure high standards for cold chain operators.

It is to prevent a repeat of the sanctions imposed on Ghana by the European Union (EU) following the detection of harmful chemicals in some exported consignments.

The country is estimated to have lost US$30 million in revenue during the period of the ban.

For this reason, the two agencies held a meeting on November 3 at the Ghana Shippers’ House in Accra to strategise and train ground handlers as part of efforts meant to address some of the challenges faced by stakeholders in the horticulture sector.

Skills development

Addressing the meeting, the Executive Secretary of CILT, Nlaliban Wujangi, stated that it was crucial to ensure skills development of employees in the air cargo space.

He said training for employees was key to the growth of the shipping and logistics industry.

“And so, we want to intensify efforts to ensure high standards for cold chain operators to be able to train ground handlers and operators of cold chain facilities at KIA.

“This is to prevent a repeat of the sanctions imposed on Ghana by the European Union following the detection of harmful chemicals in some exported consignments,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GSA, Benonita Bismarck, assured the delegation of the authority’s commitment to collaborate with CILT and other stakeholders to improve the sector.

“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority appreciates the work you are doing and we are always ready to partner you and any organisation to improve service standards in the sector to protect and promote the interest of shippers in Ghana,” she said.

She further noted that the authority had held several sensitisations and stakeholder engagements nationwide to ensure that the country did not face future restrictions in the export of fruits and vegetables.

Air facilitation committee

Also, as a member of the National Air Facilitation Committee of the International Air Transport Association (AITA), the GSA has prioritised the improvement of air cargo through its regular engagements with stakeholders in the industry.

One of such engagements was with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, Temperature Control Cargo Operators and other stakeholders in the sector.

Air cargo availability was a key topic discussed at this year’s exporters’ forum organised by the GSA.