Gov't to cut down checkpoints at the ports

Government is working to reduce the number of state agencies that are engaged in the inspection and examination of cargoes at the ports to about 10 from the current 23, deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Murtala Mohammed, has said.

Speaking at a media interaction between executives of the Ship-owners and Agents Association (SOAAG), journalists and other maritime sector actors in Tema, he said the move forms part of effort to significantly reduce the cost of doing business at the country's ports and also eliminate the frustrations that shippers go through in their daily transactions.

He said the Trade Ministry is currently taking proposals from industry stakeholders to that effect and that the decision is in line with plans to roll out the single window clearance concept in the country.

"MOTI is worried about the continuous frustrations of shippers in their business transactions at the ports. As it stands there are about 23 'unacceptable checkpoints' before goods are cleared.

"The question is are all these agencies needed at the ports? And even if all these agencies should be there, must they all attend to the inspection of goods?

"We are currently taking proposals from stakeholders and it is likely that this number will be reduced to ten to help reduce the frustration that shippers go through," he said.

Mr. Mohammed said MOTI has made efforts to decongest the ports a priority as it will help government to rake in the needed revenue from the sector as a result of the surge in cargo throughput and also offer ultimate comfort to the shipping public.

He said the Ministry will collaborate with the media and industry regulators to sensitise shippers on how to manage time as time is sine qua non in daily business transactions and to curb some avoidable costs.