Ghana Dock Labour company trains 90 staff on mobile crane operation

The Ghana Dock Labour Company, a casual labor organization that manages the dock workers in the port of Tema and Takoradi has trained 97 of its staff across Takoradi and Tema on mobile crane operation.

The 2-week training was meant to equip and also certify the staff as professional crane operators.

The 97 staff comprised 86 males and 11 females.

The Managing Director of GDLC, Elisha Debrah Odoom said the training is to ensure efficiency and reduction of accidents at the ports.

He said they are targeting to train the entire dock workers.

“The larger goal is to make sure that every docker or every worker with Ghana Dock Labour is certified in the area of operation. The toll drivers will also get ISO certified as well as the dockers who do the unloading and offloading. So we will get the necessary certification for them to work in the maritime industry,” he said.

The Fire and Safety Manager at the Port of Tema, Edward Heyman advised the trainees to take safety measures at the port seriously.

“At the end of the day, we want to see the port progressing. We want to see the port turnover rate increase. We want to see the port accident rate minimized. No accidents in the ports, that is what we want to see and it depends on you and I to do it. Follow the procedures given to you and do it as expected and in the end, we will have a good environment,” he advised.

The Terminal 1 Manager, Gifty Jordan entreated the trainees to exhibit professionalism and put what they have learnt into good use.

“When some people get educated, something enters into them which is pride. When they are called upon, they tend to act like a know-it-all. This training programme is a platform for you to be blessed. It is a platform for doors to be opened for you. If the management has seen this and provided you with this platform, please do not downplay it. Work hard so you will go forward in the future,” she advised.

The Stevedore Manager, George Koney at the Port of Tema also advised the trainees to exude confidence in the field of work.

“In your new role as a crane operator, confidence should be your key. Believe in yourself. The role of crane operators is evolving. Operation on the machines has changed, so as new graduates, you do not just end there but you learn more things so that you stay afloat,” he noted.

Some of the trainees commended the management of GDLC and encouraged other port workers to avail themselves of such opportunities.