By: Edith Atiaka Eshun
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has pledged to introduce reforms aimed at reducing cost and making Ghana’s Port more competitive. He said plans are underway to streamline operations underlined with the government’s vision of a 24-hour economy.
Freight Forwarders, traders and shipping agents continue to grapple with high import duties, taxes and various charges at the Tema and Takoradi ports. This situation, has compelled some importers to ply their trade and services at the Togo and Abidjan Ports thus reducing the revenue generated in Ghana’s Ports.
Mindful of this, Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono said prudent measures are being taken to find practical solutions to the problem.
He noted that government has already taken bold measures including the removal of some taxes and the COVID-19 related levies to ease the financial burden on traders.
He made this known during a courtesy call on him by the Leadership of the Importers and Exporters Association in Tema.
Brigadier General Tanye-Kulono further noted “the cost that is meanwhile associated with demurrages and others which can be prevented are prevented in the end to reduce cost of doing business here, so don’t be surprised if we start calling you for your comments or to have meetings on how best we can work together in the implementation of the policy.”
Beyond cost reduction, the Acting Director General of the GPHA, emphasised that discussions are advancing to establish a 24-hour operational system at the Tema Port.
The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, welcomed the reforms and expressed optimism that they will make Ghana’s ports a preferred business destination.
“I also do agree that you want to engage stakeholders on the 24-hour agenda. Because if you look at the current budget that was presented it seems the government is ready to talk about export economic driven and the number of containers that leave our shores empty is enormous. We need to also take advantage of export.”
