The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has started engaging some airlines to find affordable and reliable air cargo services for Ghanaian horticultural produce exports to the international markets. So far, it has engaged four carriers, including Ethiopia Airlines, Kenya Airlines, Viewtag Brinkle Airspace and Alternative Astra Airlines.
The four airlines are proposing to freight the produce at $3 per kilo on a direct flight (seven hours) to the buyer. Exporters of Ghanaian horticultural produce, mostly fruits and vegetables, have been facing the risk of losing their buyers to competitors worldwide.
The VEPEAG President called on the government to intervene in the process with a deliberate proposal that could entice carriers to reduce their charges for the country’s fresh produce. He added that securing a dedicated airline for fresh produce would encourage more exports, which would translate into job creation, have an impact on real gross domestic product (GDP) and address exchange rate challenges.
Source: graphic.com.gh