Cargo traffic through Ghana's Ports increase by 20%

The acting Director-General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority,

Michael Luguje has revealed that Cargo traffic through the Ports of Ghana grew by 20% in 2018 compared to same period in 2017.

“We have also seen our Cargo Traffic grow and the statistics indicate that we have a growth of at least 20% above that of 2017 especially in Cargo Traffic,” he stated.

Addressing Staff of GPHA at a thanksgiving service to appreciate the goodness of God for successes chalked by the Authority in the year 2018, the acting GPHA Boss recounted some successes chalked by the authority in 2018.

He said a lot of progress has been achieved in terms of infrastructure development in both Ports of Tema and Takoradi.

“We are also making quite a lot of progress in the area of our infrastructural development projects in Tema and Takoradi. A lot of progress is being made, 2019 is going to see at least some of the projects being commissioned for operations both in Tema and Takoradi Ports," he said.

Michael Luguje added that GPHA will continue to instil confidence in the business community for more progress to be achieved in 2019.

“Whilst we are preparing to open up our infrastructure to accommodate more business, it instils a lot of confidence in the business community to sign on Ghana as their destination for import and export. So we trust that next year by this time, we will be meeting with better results to present,” he added.

Earlier, the Director of Tema Port, Edward Kofi Osei in his welcome address, emphasized the need for all staff of the Authority to show gratitude to God for his faithfulness.

“We as GPHA management, we don’t want to be the nine lepers, we want to be that one that came to say thank you. Indeed, it is great to be alive this day and for us to see the end of one year and the beginning of another year. Let us sing and praise the Lord for he has really done wonders for us,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Tema Port, Sheikh Laberan Salifu Barry in his message highlighted the need for forgiveness as the vehicle of progress and growth.

“Before a good or reputable organisation can achieve its aims and objectives, there must be the concept of forgiveness. The concept of forgiveness in very fundamental and critical to our existence,” he said.

In her sermon grounded on Psalm 118:7, Rev. Dr Mary Ghansah stated that it was necessary for the Lord to be on side of GPHA in order for the Authority to achieve great exploits.

The thanksgiving service brought together the staff of the Port Authority as well as representatives from several other stakeholder organisations who operate in the port and maritime industry.

The staff sang and danced to show appreciation to God for how far he has brought the Port Industry in general and the Authority in particular.