By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, Oct. 19, GNA – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has underscored the importance of efficient port operations in reducing transport costs, improving supply chain reliability and facilitating trade across West and Central Africa.Â
Ms Issa Mwanaulu Issa Mwajita, Head of Africa at the IMO, said the efficiency of ship clearance and port operations had implications beyond individual ports, particularly for neighbouring landlocked countries that depended on them for access to regional and international markets.
Ms Mwajita was speaking at a sub-regional workshop on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems in Ghana.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of an International Maritime Organization (IMO)-World Bank workshop on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems in Tema, she said ports served as vital gateways for national economies and played a significant role in supporting regional trade and economic development.
She explained that delays in processing information, repeated submission of documents, and fragmented procedures across institutions could affect the entire transport chain.
She said improving the exchange of information among ships, ports and public authorities was therefore necessary to address such challenges and support more predictable maritime services.
She stressed that achieving efficient ship clearance required cooperation among maritime administrations, port authorities, customs, and other government agencies.
Although the institutions had distinct responsibilities, she said, effective port operations depended on their ability to work towards a common objective.
She called for a review of existing procedures to eliminate unnecessary steps and establish clear arrangements for sharing and using information.
Ms Mwajita said improving port operations also required clearly defined institutional responsibilities, appropriate legal frameworks, sustainable operating arrangements and trained personnel to manage change.
She further highlighted cybersecurity and data governance as important considerations in strengthening maritime operations, saying the protection of information systems and continuity of services were essential to building confidence.
She expressed appreciation to the government of Ghana, particularly the Ghana Maritime Authority, for hosting the workshop.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the World Bank, the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility and other regional and development partners to efforts to improve maritime operations in Africa.
The workshop brought together representatives of maritime administrations, port authorities, customs authorities, development partners and regional institutions to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and improving port operations across the sub-region.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNAÂ
[email protected]Â