The Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called for deeper private sector collaboration to remove systemic bottlenecks at Ghana’s ports and position the country as the leading trade and logistics gateway in West Africa.
Speaking at the launch of GPHA’s 40th anniversary celebration in Tema, Mr Asiedu Nketiah said government alone cannot deliver the efficiency needed to make Ghana competitive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He stressed the need for closer alignment between GPHA, shipping lines, terminal operators, the Customs Division of GRA, freight forwarders, inland transport operators and investors to cut turnaround time and cost of doing business.
“Ghana’s ports handle over 85% of the country’s external trade and contribute significantly to trade facilitation revenue and GDP. If we must compete with Lome, Abidjan and Cotonou for transit cargo to the Sahel, we must fix the inefficiencies together,” he noted.
The Chairman said GPHA’s four-decade journey has not been without challenges – from global shipping disruptions to infrastructure deficits – but prudent governance and strategic investments, including the Tema Port Expansion Project and automation of port processes, have enabled the Authority to remain resilient.
“Forty years on, this milestone is not just a celebration of years, but a testament to four decades of resilience, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to national development,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah said as Ghana pushes an export-led industrialization agenda, efficient ports are critical to lowering logistics costs, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and creating jobs along the maritime value chain.
For his part, the Director-General of GPHA, Brig. Gen. Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono (Rtd), said the Authority’s next phase will focus on building smarter, greener and safer ports through digitalization, renewable energy adoption and enhanced port security.
Adding that, this will help boost industrialization, strengthen regional trade and consolidate Ghana’s position as the preferred maritime hub in West Africa.
Activities lined up for the year-long anniversary include a press tour of port facilities, an inter-port athletics competition between Tema and Takoradi, staff excellence awards, a gala for shippers, and a thanksgiving service.
Ahotoronline.com
Godfred Sey
