It is also expected to be a lead strategic initiative that would ensure setting and maintenance of high standards, integrity and public confidence.

Mr Yaw Kyei, Managing Director of Integral Freight Services, and Chairman of  ACHAG, told the Ghana News Agency that the Association was a federation of freight forwarding companies who had come together to champion their common interests in the industry.

“Members will use their collective knowledge and skills to determine and recommend practical and effective solutions to the many challenges facing the customs clearing industry and its resultant impact on the commercial interests of their clients,” he said.

Mr Kyei said members would draw on the rich expertise and experiences of seasoned retired customs officers and port professionals.

He said: “This association would be the body through, which members can, in a cost effective manner, secure consistent and effective representation on forums with the view to position their business so that legislation and technological policies and developments do not compromise service quality and delivery but enhance it.”

Mr William Assuah, Managing Director, Wafa Logistics and Consultancy Ltd, and a member of the Association said ACHAG would become an authority in freight forwarding in Ghana, whose recommendations and interest would be sought for government decision and policy initiatives.

The main objectives of ACHAG is to among others form a united action to protest, project and promote the interests of its members and the profession in all aspects at national and international level and collect and disseminate information to members on subjects of common interests.

It would offer training and retraining to members on current and future development, which could have an impact on their business and help members acquaint with authorities about their common problems and harness common benefits.

It  would also seek redress to legitimate grievances by all peaceful and constitutional means and procedures and  exercise beneficial supervision over the clearing trade with a view to maintain high standards of integrity and public confidence.

ACHAG would help work to ensure that clients get value for money by striving to cut costs and negotiating the best possible deal available.

The Association could be located at the Second floor Sonic House Communication 5 Market Area in Tema.