By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Accra, Oct. 24, GNA-The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has honoured shipping lines, shipping agents, cargo customers, staff and former leaders as part of activities marking its 40th anniversary.
The awards dinner recognised industry players for their performance in cargo volumes and customer service, alongside individuals whose leadership and long service contributed to the development of the Authority and Ghana’s maritime industry.
Award categories included shipping lines and shipping agents by cargo volumes, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations, dry bulk cargo volumes, container traffic measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), outstanding customer service and top transit customers.
The ceremony also recognised past Directors-General, former directors of the Tema and Takoradi ports, union chairmen, pioneering female professionals and long-serving staff.
The event formed part of GPHA’s commemoration of four decades of institutional growth, industry partnership and service to Ghana’s trade and economic development.
Major-General Paul Seidu Tanye‑Kulono, the Director-General of GPHA, in a welcome address, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise individuals and organisations whose leadership, dedication and partnerships had helped shape the Authority.
He expressed appreciation to past leaders and employees, as well as shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, transport operators, customers, and other industry partners for their contributions to the development of the ports.
Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Board Chairman, in his remarks, said the awards recognised commitment, professionalism, innovation and partnership among individuals and organisations that had contributed to the growth of GPHA and the wider maritime industry.
He said the Authority’s future competitiveness would depend on its ability to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency, uphold good governance, and deliver value to customers and stakeholders.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, The Minister for Transport, delivering the keynote address, called for improved port efficiency, digitalisation and stronger connections among ports, roads, railways and logistics centres to position Ghana as a leading trade and logistics gateway for West Africa.
He identified six priorities for the sector: port efficiency and service excellence, digitalisation and innovation, multimodal connectivity, sustainability and safety, workforce development, and regional trade and integration.
The minister said achieving these objectives required sustained cooperation among government, GPHA, private-sector operators, customers and other stakeholders across the transport and logistics value chain.
He congratulated the award recipients and urged the industry to build on the Authority’s achievements through stronger partnerships, improved services and continued investment in people and technology.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei