The maiden edition of Ghana Logistics and Transport Awards (GLOTA) have been held in Accra to appreciate and reward industry players for their excellence and outstanding performance in the sector.
The awards held under the theme; "Driving the Growth of Ghana’s Logistics and Transport Sector through Effective Recognition System,” was to elevate the status of beneficiaries and motivate them to infuse innovation into their operations.
Apex Shipping and Commercial Company, emerged the overall Best Logistics and Transport Company of the year 2017 whiles Teamwork Freight Services emerged runner-up. Other awardees on the night were DHL Ghana Limited (2017 Best Courier Company), O.A Travel and Tour Transport Company (2017 Best Commercial Transport Company), Leasafric Ghana Limited(2017 Best Car Rental Company) Jonmoore International (2017 Best Haulage Company), Network Freight Forwarding Company (2017 Best Freight Forwarding Company), Philip Nii Lartey of Omni Media (2017 Best News Reporter in Logistics and Transport Operations), EIB network ( 2017 Best Transport and Logistics Media Organisation) , Gatyfax Logistics Company Limited (2017 Best Promising Transport and Logistics Company and Mr Richard Ackah, CEO of R and J Express Logistics Limited (2017 Best Chief Executive Officer in Logistics and Transport Sector)
Dr Samuel Kwadwo Frimpong , the Technical Economic Adviser for the Vice President, who was the Guest Speaker, said the Logistics and Transport sector typically in the areas of Freight Forwarding, Commercial Passenger Transport as well as other industry players enhanced economic growth and stability both in local and international trade.
He said, Ghana’s Logistics and Transport sector in recent years had developed significant policies and programs to improve infrastructure and operations, increased revenue generation and promoted standards and productivity under the jurisdictions of regular sector Ministries including Trade and Industry , Transport, Aviation and Railway development.
Dr. Frimpong said, government was currently in the process of expanding the country's marine landing ports and aviation terminals, and was also providing face lifts to existing facilities which included automation and other modern digitized equipment to position the country as the leading export and trading hub in the West African Sub-Region.
He said the country’s rail network which had been grounded and malfunctioned for some years was presently undergoing vigorous innovative transformation to boost haulage and commercial passenger transport operations in the industry; although he added there had been challenges.
He however appealed to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), the media and other institutions to intensify education on safe driving within the Christmas period.
‘’Together let’s seek to minimize the incidence of lorry accidents and fatalities of road carnage, that characterizes the period of “Yuletide," he said.
Mr Don Obilor, Chairman of 2018 GLOTA Organizing Committee said, the event was organized to appreciate the efforts and contributions of some institutions and personalities in other to raise the bar of Ghana’s Logistics and Transport sector.
Mr Obilor said, there were some challenges in the process of organizing the first edition of the awards but with the support of some members including MacDonald Bubuama, the Events Coordinator and the support from Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) the awards was successful.
He appealed to institutions and corporate bodies to provide the needed support to the Logistics and Transport Awards in its subsequent editions.
Mr Kwabena Ofosu Appiah, the President of Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) said, GIFF projects more than 300 institutions in the Logistics and Transport sector and its members have distinguished themselves with values and competence in the various shipping industry and allied services.
He said, some of these Freight Forwarders were rewarded with honours at the recent Shippers Awards. ‘’We are privileged to be associated with the 2018 Logistics and Transport Awards ceremony and I would appeal to the government and sector ministries and state agencies to ensure that the policies they develop for freight forwarding operations meet the desired promotion of harmony, stability and transparency in the Ghanaian Shipping industry.
Mr. William Ofori, an awardee, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the 2018 GLOTA Events organizers for appreciating the efforts.