The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has paid a working visit to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), commending the company for the successful roll-out of 24-hour port operations.
The visit forms part of her engagement with agencies under the Ministry of Transport.
Madam Affo-Toffey said the 24-hour port operations represented a significant step towards enhancing service delivery and boosting efficiency at Ghana’s seaports.
She said that, to ensure smooth port operations, the GPHA needed to collaborate with key stakeholders in the maritime value chain.
She stated that the visit was meant to give her firsthand insight into the operations of the GPHA and to allow her to interact with management on issues affecting the efficiency and competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
The Director-General of the GPHA, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, welcomed the Deputy Minister and her team, and commended the Transport Ministry, under the leadership of Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for its continuous support to the port authority.
He assured that the goal was to streamline processes, reduce turnaround times, and minimise double handling.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono said the GPHA aims to make Ghana’s ports more competitive by optimising operations.
He assured that his outfit was also engaging with stakeholders, including the media, to promote better understanding and ensure transparency in the sector.
On digitalisation, he said efforts were underway to make Ghana’s ports the preferred hubs for the Sahel countries as well as the oil and gas industry.
The GPHA Director-General also disclosed that dredging works would soon begin at the Tema Port to allow berths 15 to 17 to accommodate larger vessels.
The General Manager for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the GPHA, Dr Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, highlighted ongoing developments at both the Tema and Takoradi ports during a presentation on their operations.
The Director of Tema Port, Mr Tebon Zumah, led the Deputy Minister and her entourage on a tour of the facility, including Terminal 3, to give them a firsthand view of operations.