By Eric Appah Marfo, GNA
Accra, Feb.27, GNA – Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, on Friday inaugurated a nine-member Board of the Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock, charging members to work diligently to restore the facility to its former glory and reposition it as a leading maritime hub in the sub-region.
He also urged them to prioritise the modernisation of infrastructure and equipment, explore public-private partnerships in line with government policy to mobilise capital and technical expertise, and spearhead reforms to retool and revamp the facility.
The Minister underscored the strategic importance of the shipyard, describing it as a critical national asset established by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, to anchor the country’s maritime development.
“The Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock is not just a facility; it is a strategic national asset handed over to us to continue playing a lead role in the maritime sector,” he stated.
He highlighted the maritime sector’s significant potential for job creation and economic growth, particularly given Ghana’s strategic location within the sub-region.
Mr Nikpe expressed confidence that under the Board’s leadership, the shipyard would once again become the preferred destination for ship repairs, maintenance and fabrication works.
He urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and adhere to the highest ethical standards, while identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks that hindered the shipyard’s ability to compete globally.
The Minister revealed plans to collaborate with the private sector to establish technical and vocational training institutions to build the capacity of Ghanaian youth to take advantage of opportunities within the maritime value-chain.
He cautioned Board members against interfering in the day-to-day management of the shipyard, clarifying that their role was to provide strategic direction and oversight in line with good corporate governance principles.
“The Board operates under the supervision of the Ministry and reports directly to it. Under no circumstances should it engage other authorities without prior consultation with the Ministry,” he said, assuring them of the Ministry’s full support.
Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, Chairman of the Board, thanked the Minister and President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in them.
He assured the Minister of the Board’s commitment to working closely with management and staff to reposition the shipyard as a competitive and vibrant player in Africa’s Dry Dock and shipping industry.
“We are confident that by the end of our term, the Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock will be an active and competitive force in the industry,” Dr Yankey said.
He pledged the Board’s support for the government’s reset agenda and the 24-hour economy initiative, indicating that the shipyard would be aligned with those national priorities.
“We are aware that the Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock has already commenced a three eight-hour shift, and the Board will ensure that it is sustained, made productive and rewarded,” he said.
He acknowledged the need for retooling critical equipment, including computer numeric control machines, cranes and winches, and called for the Ministry’s support to achieve the Board’s vision.
“We will apply the expertise at our disposal to revamp the shipyard and make it a key contributor to the national economy,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe