Prof. Gyampo sets new austerity tone at Ghana Shippers Authority

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, has outlined a series of cost-cutting and ethical leadership measures aimed at restoring financial stability and public trust in the institution.

Reflecting on his early days in office, Prof. Gyampo revealed that he inherited a financially strained authority, which was impacted by broader fiscal policies, including the previous administration’s decision to consolidate excess funds from state institutions to meet national obligations.

In an interview with Adom FM, he acknowledged that “The decision to pool institutional funds to meet national commitments, like paying bondholders, was critical.” he said, “But it left institutions like ours gasping for air.”

In response, the former academic and public intellectual has launched what he terms an “innovative austerity agenda” focused on operational efficiency and ethical leadership.

Among the key measures:

Travel Reform: All non-essential foreign travel has been suspended. When travel is approved, all staff—including the CEO—must fly economy class.

Contract Reviews: Existing contracts have been reviewed, with some renegotiated or terminated to secure better value for money.

Suspension of Incentives: Certain staff incentives have been paused temporarily to reduce expenditure and align with the Authority’s current financial reality.

“I travel economy class – and so will everyone else. I may be the only CEO in Ghana who does that today. But it is unthinkable and unethical to indulge in opulence while the institution I lead is bleeding.”

He further disclosed that he uses an old official vehicle strictly for work purposes and relies on his personal car for private events.

Prof. Gyampo’s leadership style, which he describes as grounded in simplicity and accountability, has sparked both admiration and criticism. He dismissed recent allegations that he purchased a luxury massage chair for his office as “ignorant propaganda.”

“That claim is not only false but senseless,” he responded. “Competent propaganda isn’t for little minds. We are here to work, not indulge.”

The GSA CEO also highlighted the non-partisan nature of his appointment, praising President John Dramani Mahama for including non-party members in his administration.

“The President has shown courage by bringing in people like me, who are not members of his party, to contribute. That shows seriousness,” he said.

With a leadership approach shaped by modest beginnings and years of experience in academia and unionism, Prof. Gyampo aims to reset the culture of leadership in public institutions.

“We won’t countenance a sense of entitlement that perpetuates what is wrong,” he said. “We’re here to change the status quo.”

As he begins his tenure, many will be watching to see whether Prof. Gyampo’s principled leadership can indeed set a new standard in Ghana’s public sector.