Freight forwarders urge government to tackle airport cargo clearance delays

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has urged the government to urgently address persistent delays in cargo clearance at the country’s airports, warning that the situation could affect the efficiency and competitiveness of Ghana’s logistics sector.

GIFF President, Stephen Adjokatcher, said the delays are a major concern for airlines and businesses that rely on the timely clearance of essential equipment and spare parts.

He made the remarks at the unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ new Embraer E190 aircraft on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The aircraft is expected to expand the airline’s operations and improve connectivity.

Mr. Adjokatcher said the delays are inconsistent with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, which aims to promote round-the-clock economic activity and enhance productivity.

He questioned why businesses and airlines sometimes have to wait several days to clear cargo at the airport despite the existence of customs facilities intended to facilitate faster clearance.

“We don’t understand why there’s a centre brought here by Customs so that aviation is speed, but sometimes people take days before they clear things from the airport here,” he said.

He appealed to the Ministry of Transport to engage the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to find a lasting solution to the problem.

According to him, delays in clearing aircraft parts can disrupt airline operations and have wider implications for the efficiency of the aviation and logistics sectors.

“I’m happy my Transport Minister is here to address that to the Finance Minister, because it takes days to clear parts from the airport. Why should it be under 24 hours?” he asked.

Mr. Adjokatcher also called for adequate storage facilities at the country’s airports to allow airlines to keep essential spare parts on-site and access them when needed.

He said the facilities would help reduce clearance bottlenecks and ensure critical aircraft components are available without unnecessary delays.

“[We need] storage facilities at our airports so that airlines can hold the spare parts there so that they can clear on time when they need it immediately,” he added.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo