The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has revealed that he travels abroad with an economy class ticket as part of cost-cutting measures to ensure the organization’s survival.
According to him, the Authority’s financial situation makes it “unethical and unthinkable” for him to indulge in opulence.
“CEOs and Managers of organizations that run at a loss must have no business enjoying largess that go with their positions,” Prof. Gyampo emphasized.
To achieve this, he has terminated some contracts, renegotiated others, and put some staff allowances and incentive packages on hold.
The financial strain on the Authority resulted from the government’s initiative to sweep excess financial resources from various agencies’ accounts, including the Ghana Shippers Authority.
This move left the Authority cash-strapped, prompting Prof. Gyampo’s cost-cutting measures.
The CEO also highlighted the importance of rethinking practices where individuals in positions of authority develop an “over-bloated sense of themselves.”
He attributed his modest approach to his background as a teacher and unionist, which has shaped his decisions as CEO.
Prof. Gyampo’s cost-cutting measures include suspending all foreign travels except those directly related to the Authority’s work, with all participants traveling economy class.
“I have directed a suspension of all foreign travels except the ones that have a direct bearing on the work of the Authority and even this, every participant, from the CEO to the daily rated employee would travel with an Economy Class Ticket,” he stated.
“We must rethink the practice where very ordinary people who get political appointments suddenly develop over-bloated sense of themselves,” he added.
The CEO dismissed claims that he had indulged in luxuries, describing as “senseless and ignorant propaganda” allegations that he had purchased a massaging chair for his office.
He also revealed that he uses an old government vehicle only for official purposes, driving his personal car for social and other non-official activities.
Prof. Gyampo remains committed to helping President Mahama’s “reset Ghana” agenda, expressing confidence in the president’s ability to leave a lasting legacy.
He drew comparisons with Malaysia’s development, attributing it to effective governance and collaboration across various sectors.
“If we succeed, Ghana will succeed; and if we succeed, the ruling party would have enough message to tell Ghanaians in many future elections,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort to drive Ghana’s development.
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