Akufo-Addo’s Vision For Transport Sectors During His First Term Well Appreciated – CILT Ghana
The Governing Council of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT Ghana) has congratulated His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo for being re-elected to the highest office of the land.
The Council said it appreciates the vision and the President’s projects during his previous government in rail, road, maritime and air sectors.
In a Press Release, CILT mentions his role for leading the country to win the bid for hosting the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Ghana, which it said, would go a long way to position Ghana as the continent’s financial capital.
“This will undoubtedly create jobs and boost our intra-African trade,” the Release indicated.
Dr. Ebo Hammond, President of CILT-Ghana who signed the release noted that CILT as the leading professional body in logistics and transport, proposed some policy imperatives needing urgent government policy directives and action.
In the Aviation sector, it said there is the need to speed-up the establishment of a national air carrier to help in tourism and investment drive including the promotion of international trade for the country
“Government to ensure the completion of Sunyani airport to help facilitate air travel to the mid-west of the country
Tamale airport would need an upgrade of its facilities (especially land-side) to help convert it to an international airport to serve the northern regions and neighbouring Sahelian countries,” he stated.
He also noted that efforts must be made to complete the new terminal in Kumasi to upgrade it into an international airport for the mid-regions of the country.
For Maritime CILT proposed that the government may also come out with a policy designed to attract cargo traffic to the Takoradi Port, thus making it competitive in the sub-region whilst exploring and tapping the potential of the Volta Lake for freight transport and eco- tourism.
CILT Ghana also said it does not support the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes (Okada) and called on Parliament to pass a law to make motorcycles unattractive instead of amending Regulation 128 of (2012) L.I 2180 to allow the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.
“The Institute humbly advises against commercial use because it prioritises the loss of lives over income loss. There are other viable options for livelihoods which must be explored. We share in your profound statement that “We know how to bring the economy back to life. What we do not know is how to bring people back to life”.
He said government should step up efforts to help reduce the fatalities on the road, which is unsustainably high.
They also recommended a policy direction that encourages importation or production of electric vehicles in the country through fiscal measures to help protect the environment hence the need to complete the Boankra Inland Port to lessen the pressure on Tema Port
CILT-Ghana assured HE the President that it will avail its wealth of knowledge and expertise to support his government to achieve the above recommendations whenever consulted.
By Prosper Agbenyega
