By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, Oct. 20, GNA -The government has identified efficient port operations and faster vessel clearance as economic necessities for strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness in international trade and expanding its role as a commercial gateway in West Africa.
Mr Merlyn Gaskin, Director in charge of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry of Transport, said unnecessary delays, repeated submission of information and poor coordination among public institutions increased costs for businesses, consumers, and the national economy.
Mr Gaskin was delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Transport at the opening of a regional workshop on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems on the theme: “Increasing the Use of the IMO Compendium, Maritime Single Window and Port Community Systems.”
He said that Ghana’s ports were strategic national assets that connected local businesses to international markets, generated government revenue, created employment and supported livelihoods.
He noted that the ports of Tema and Takoradi played critical roles in the country’s trade and economic development, adding that their continued development and competitiveness were essential to attracting investment and expanding trade.
He said the government was committed to ensuring fast, reliable, and transparent vessel clearance systems to support its economic ambitions and strengthen the country’s position in the international trading system.
Mr Gaskin said Ghana had made significant progress in modernising trade and port operations through the integration of customs management systems, port digital systems, and electronic information exchanges among maritime stakeholders.
These efforts, he said, were intended to facilitate faster vessel clearance, improve the predictability of port operations, and enhance efficiency in maritime trade.
“This is not merely a technical ambition, but an economic necessity,” he said.
Mr Gaskin commended the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority, and other public and private sector institutions for their contributions to improving port operations and trade facilitation.
He said Ghana’s participation in the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reflected its commitment to international cooperation and the development of a safe, efficient, and well-regulated maritime industry.
He acknowledged the IMO’s support for the development of Ghana’s national Maritime Single Window, describing it as part of the broader cooperation to improve maritime transport and trade facilitation.
Mr Gaskin urged participants to ensure that the workshop produced practical outcomes, including stronger institutional cooperation, the provision of necessary financial and technical support, and a clear and realistic pathway towards full implementation.
He expressed appreciation to the IMO, the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support for Ghana’s maritime transport sector.
He also commended the Ghana Maritime Authority for bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss ways of improving maritime operations and facilitating trade across the West African sub-region.
The workshop brought together representatives of maritime administrations, port authorities, customs agencies, development partners, and other maritime industry stakeholders to discuss the implementation of Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Email: [email protected]