Worldwide Logistics Group announces the opening of its first African branch in Accra, Ghana. WWL Ghana Limited is the first USA freight forwarder to plant their flag in Ghana.
Worldwide Logistics is now capable of handling air and ocean shipments to and from Ghana including weekly air and ocean consolidations from Istanbul, Turkey to Ghana. In addition, due to Ghana’s participation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), shipments with final destinations in Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Togo, Niger and Côte d’Ivoire can be customs cleared at ports of entry in Ghana. Other major imports going into Ghana will be automotive and electronics.
The Accra branch marks the 25th office for Worldwide Logistics Group and the seventh branch opening in the last 18 months. “It’s imperative to keep up with the demands of the market,” explained Joe Monaghan, President and CEO. “We continue to stay committed to our customers’ needs. Growing our global footprint is a response driven by our loyal customer base.” The seven new offices during the last 18 months include Cleveland and Miami in the United States, Madrid, Stuttgart, Mexico City, Istanbul and Karachi.
Worldwide Logistics Group – Ghana will be managed by Nana Essien who has more than 15 years of experience in the logistics field. “It’s exciting to be part of a dynamic group of supply chain professionals with global presence,” Mr. Essien said. “With resources in Asia, Europe, India, the Middle East and the United States, we have endless tools at hand to provide high quality logistics services to our customers.”
With offices in Accra, Worldwide Logistics Group is strategically located between the Tema Port and Accra International Airport. Finding tactical locations with the most cost effective inbound and outbound logistics capabilities is part of their global strategic growth plan.
Finding prudent leadership is critically important to opening a successful branch location. “Mr. Essien is a great fit for our new operation in Ghana, a country where no other US logistics agency has ever been. As always, the key to successfully entering a new market is finding the right leaders who fit our corporate culture. They understand the local business environment and know how to build a team with the right people,” said Tom Peacock, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Logistics Group.
The Ghana location is phase one of their expansion into Africa with a few more locations in the works. “WWL has a large appetite for expansion in Africa therefore this is just the first of several new office openings that we will be announcing over the coming weeks,” said Atilla Eren, Managing Director of Worldwide Logistics – Africa.
“In the Akan language of Ghana, I’d like to say, ‘Akwaaba,” to Mr. Essien and his team in Accra,” said Mr. Monaghan. Akwaaba is a common heartfelt expression of the people of Ghana and a symbol of their friendly and warm hospitality.
The Ghana branch will fall under the oversight of Erdal Bilgic, Worldwide Logistics Managing Director – Turkey, Africa and Central Asia. Mr. Bilgic is playing an integral part in the overall growth within Africa. “Expansion of Worldwide into Africa is a natural progression in the process of globalizing our network,” said Mr. Bilgic.
To learn more about the Ghana branch, the plans for more expansion in Africa and how Africa will provide additional, cost-effective supply chain solutions in today’s market, please contact your regional representative or any of the Worldwide Logistics leaders.