At a time when many people have lost trust in leaders because of wasteful spending and poor management, Professor Rasford Gyampo, the new boss of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), is showing a different kind of leadership—one that is simple and focused on doing the right thing.
In a one-on-one chat with Adomonline.com, Professor Gyampo explained some bold steps he has taken to help fix the Authority’s financial problems.
“I travel economy class – and so will everyone else,” he declared matter-of-factly. “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.”
Taking over when there was no money
Prof. Gyampo took over the job at a time when the Authority was broke, mainly because of government policies that focused on national needs over the finances of individual agencies.
Back when Mahama was president, the government made a tough decision to pull extra money from various institutions to help settle national debts.
“The decision to pool institutional funds to meet national commitments, like paying bondholders, was critical,” he acknowledged.
“But it left institutions like ours gasping for air.”
Because the Authority had very little money, Gyampo introduced what he calls a new plan to cut down spending and help the office run better.
Gyampo’s style: spending wisely and with purpose
His approach includes a few key changes:
Looking at Old Contracts Again: Some old contracts were either canceled or renegotiated to make sure the Authority wasn’t paying too much.
Cutting Some Staff Benefits: Even though it wasn’t an easy choice, certain staff bonuses have been paused for now so the Authority can manage its money better.
Changing Travel Habits: Foreign travel that isn’t necessary has been stopped. And when it’s allowed, everyone, including the CEO, must fly economy.
“Why should public officials, especially those presiding over loss-making institutions, live as if they’re royalty?” he queried. “It doesn’t make sense. We must abandon this culture of entitlement.”
He’s not just talking the talk.
“I was offered an old vehicle for official use, which I only drive to and from work. For church, funerals, and weddings, I use my personal car,” he added, underscoring a belief that government property should serve government functions alone.
Promoting a new kind of public service leadership
Gyampo isn’t just fixing finances—he’s trying to set a new example for how public leaders should act: with honesty, simplicity, and care for public money.
But not everyone is on board. Some people have accused him of buying an expensive massage chair for his office—a claim he strongly denies.
“That claim is not only false but senseless,” he retorted. “Competent propaganda isn’t for little minds. Those leveling such accusations must find a better strategy. If the opposition wants to remain relevant, it must produce a credible leadership that focuses on ideas, not pettiness.”
A man with simple beginnings and strong values
Prof. Gyampo says his way of doing things comes from how he was raised and his experience in teaching and union work.
“I come from a very modest background. By the grace of God and through hard work, I was already comfortable before this appointment,” he noted. “But that background and the training I received make it impossible for me to condone waste.”
He says his position has nothing to do with politics. For him, it’s all about serving the country and helping make Ghana better under President Mahama’s new government.
“The President has shown courage by bringing in people like me, who are not members of his party, to contribute. That shows seriousness. If we succeed in this agenda, Ghana succeeds. And that’s what matters most.”
What’s ahead
Though he just started, Gyampo’s style is already drawing attention and giving people hope that public leaders can stop wasting money.
His mix of humility, clear policies, and tough accountability could become a new model—not just for GSA, but for other government offices too.
“We won’t countenance a sense of entitlement that perpetuates what is wrong,” he said. “We’re here to change the status quo.”
As the country watches how things unfold, one thing is sure: Prof. Gyampo is leading with values, not luxury—and he believes this is the real way to bring change.