Stakeholders in Ghana’s logistics and heavy-duty equipment industry have called for stronger protection of local businesses, improved professionalism and fair enforcement of the law to support national development, as the Regional Maritime University graduated the ninth cohort of forklift and mobile crane operators in Accra.
Speaking at the ceremony, which was held under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Economy with an Improved Logistics Industry,” the Chief Executive Officer of RAHAMABROS, Mr Mohammed Salifu, congratulated the graduates and urged them to place safety at the centre of their professional practice. Mr Salifu, who spoke on behalf of the Crane Owners Association of Ghana, said the successful completion of the programme should be matched by a strong commitment to discipline and responsible conduct. “Completing this programme shows your commitment and discipline. However, skill alone is not enough safety must guide every action you take,” he said.
Mr Salifu explained that the association was formed in response to growing concerns among indigenous operators about increasing foreign participation in the crane and heavy-lifting industry, which he said was threatening local livelihoods. While welcoming foreign partners to contribute to national development, he cautioned against practices that undermine local businesses and flout existing regulations. “Foreign contractors who bring heavy lifting equipment into the country and then venture into the hiring business are acting against the laws of the land,” he stated, citing provisions of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865).
He also raised concerns about the alleged harassment of crane operators by some personnel of the Ghana Police Service, particularly in areas including the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, Spintex, Tema, Ashaiman, Community 25, Afienya and Dawhenya. According to him, although most truck-mounted cranes are roadworthy and certified to operate, operators are frequently stopped and threatened with legal action. “We are law-abiding citizens. This bargaining and harassment must stop,” he stressed.
Linking his address to the theme of the ceremony, Mr Salifu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to employing trained Ghanaian youth and supporting national initiatives aimed at economic growth. He expressed readiness to collaborate with institutions such as the National Association for Heavy Duty Equipment Operators Ghana and the Regional Maritime University to support government development programmes, including the Big Push infrastructure agenda. He also encouraged crane owners who are yet to join the association to do so, emphasising unity, safety and professionalism as essential pillars for the growth of the local crane industry.
Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University described logistics as the lifeblood of progress across Africa, noting that skilled operators play a strategic role in trade, construction, ports and industrial development. “Without a resilient logistics backbone, even the most ambitious economic strategies falter,” he said, urging the graduates to uphold high standards of safety, integrity and discipline in their careers.
He underscored the importance of strong partnerships between academia and industry and acknowledged stakeholders who supported the practical training of the students. He also commended SIC Insurance Company Limited for donating two laptop computers to enhance training delivery at the university.
The President of NAHEOG, Mr Dominic Kofi Eyiah, challenged the graduates to see themselves as more than machine operators, describing them as “operators of economic momentum.” He said logistics was a strategic advantage rather than a support function, noting that inefficiencies in the sector significantly increase the cost of goods across Africa. “Logistics is not a support function; it is a strategic advantage,” he said, adding that professionalism, resilience and safety were crucial to building reliable supply chains and attracting investment.
The ceremony ended with a call on the newly qualified operators to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s and Africa’s economic transformation through excellence, discipline and professional conduct.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
