Accra, June 23, - The international shipping community in Ghana has criticised plans by the Ghana Shippers' Council (GSC) to construct a 15-storeyed Maritime House and appealed to government to probe its viability. A statement issued today on behalf of the group by Alhaji Asoma Banda, Chairman of Antrak group of companies, said the project will cost the country "dearly without necessarily recouping any reward". The proposed Maritime House which will house a cargo and brokerage hall, a library and other support facilities is to be sited at Accra Central. "Serious concerns have been raised over the costs and commercial implications of such a venture and over GSC's competence to manage such a project. "The country's ability to fund such a venture should be properly assessed and any state resources available should be re-directed towards more realistic and efficacious projects". The statement expressed doubts about the ability of the facility to attract sufficient business to make it self-financing and enhance the performance of the shipping industry. "Considering most international cargo and vessel brokerage deals are conducted in major shipping centres including London, New York and Singapore, limited brokerage business will take place in Accra". The statement said with the collapse of the Black Star Line, there is only limited need for indigenous maritime support facilities, adding that private sector carriers operate their own facilities where they are housed and do their research through the port authorities. It noted that existing facilities including those owned by the Council and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority are under utilised and called for the their proper use. The statement recommended the purchase of a training ship or a similar one to encourage the development of skills of Ghanaian mariners to enhance their image on the international market. "Not only would investment in a Maritime Academy strengthen Ghana's shipping potential without incurring huge risks, but when employed on the international market, Ghanaian seafarers could become a major source of foreign exchange revenue for the country".
Accra, June 23, - The international shipping community in Ghana has criticised plans by the Ghana Shippers' Council (GSC) to construct a 15-storeyed Maritime House and appealed to government to probe its viability. A statement issued today on behalf of the group by Alhaji Asoma Banda, Chairman of Antrak group of companies, said the project will cost the country "dearly without necessarily recouping any reward". The proposed Maritime House which will house a cargo and brokerage hall, a library and other support facilities is to be sited at Accra Central. "Serious concerns have been raised over the costs and commercial implications of such a venture and over GSC's competence to manage such a project. "The country's ability to fund such a venture should be properly assessed and any state resources available should be re-directed towards more realistic and efficacious projects". The statement expressed doubts about the ability of the facility to attract sufficient business to make it self-financing and enhance the performance of the shipping industry. "Considering most international cargo and vessel brokerage deals are conducted in major shipping centres including London, New York and Singapore, limited brokerage business will take place in Accra". The statement said with the collapse of the Black Star Line, there is only limited need for indigenous maritime support facilities, adding that private sector carriers operate their own facilities where they are housed and do their research through the port authorities. It noted that existing facilities including those owned by the Council and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority are under utilised and called for the their proper use. The statement recommended the purchase of a training ship or a similar one to encourage the development of skills of Ghanaian mariners to enhance their image on the international market. "Not only would investment in a Maritime Academy strengthen Ghana's shipping potential without incurring huge risks, but when employed on the international market, Ghanaian seafarers could become a major source of foreign exchange revenue for the country".
