DEVELOPING A BUSINESS FRAMEWORK FOR ESTABLISHING A COURIER SERVICE IN NORTHERN GHANA.

Abstract

Courier services have become essential in the 21st century, providing a reliable means of sending and receiving parcels and messages an evolution of practices that date back to pre-historic times. Despite this growing necessity, the Northern sector of Ghana lacks a well-established courier service provider, largely due to the unique settlement patterns in the region. This paper presents a business conceptual framework for establishing courier firms in Northern Ghana. The framework outlines practical methodologies for setting up a reliable and efficient courier service capable of handling parcel delivery and collection within the region and beyond. To develop this framework, a field survey was conducted to gather data on the current methods used by residents to send and receive parcels or messages, as well as their level of satisfaction with these methods. Insights from the survey informed the proposed layout and operational strategies for a successful courier service. Key elements of the proposed framework include steps for launching a courier business, factors influencing delivery efficiency, and the integration of IT tools to forecast service demand and enhance operations. This paper is intended to guide entrepreneurs and business groups interested in launching courier services in Northern Ghana, while also contributing to academic research in the field.