GIFF to introduce HND in supply chain management

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has announced plans to introduce a new higher diploma programme in supply chain management, and also pursue degree courses in the next few years.

The new programme will be launched this week, and the Institute has already been granted validation by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), based in Zurich while the Institute has also initiated an institutional accreditation process for the proposed degree programme.

GIFF President Mr. Joseph Agbaga, who disclosed this at the fifth graduation ceremony of the Institute in Tema, said the decision is backed by increasingly dynamic international trade globally and the intention to prepare qualified freight-forwarding professionals to meet the rapidly changing trends of the industry.

He said the introduction of the new course and the proposed degree programme will seal GIFF's goal to build a vibrant workforce and secure the future of the freight-forwarding industry in Ghana and Africa.

“GIFF, through its frantic efforts, is now recognised as a centre of excellence in FIATA training programmes across the continent, and this has occasioned the need for an upgrade of our courses.

“The Institute’s training programmes are currently in high demand both locally and internationally for industry practitioners and young students who want to pursue a career in freight forwarding and logistics management,” he said.

Mr. Agbaga said it is the resolve of management to design and offer vocational training courses which not only emphasise developing the competencies of prospective freighters, but also help students overcome their shortfalls and explore their skills.

A total of 102 students graduated after pursuing various certificate courses in freight forwarding -- covering modules such as Fundamentals of Maritime Transport, Ship Agency/Husbandry, Project Transportation and Fundamentals of Air Transport and Cargo Handling.

Mr. Agbaga commended the graduates for seeking the requisite skills to back their chosen profession, and implored them to make use of the training acquired in the discharge of their duties.

GIFF also runs specialised courses in “Safe Transport of Cargo Goods by Air” -- which is validated by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority -- for professionals who require training and certification to operate at the airport.

The Institute is accredited by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to provide training and certification in “Dangerous Goods Regulation by Sea”.

It is also a member training school for FIATA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) course on “Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods”.

By Patrick Paintsil | B&FT Online | Ghana