Need to invest in warehousing at Takoradi Harbour - Director

Takoradi, Oct.10, GNA - Mr Charles Cyril-Nartey, Director of Takoradi Harbour has appealed to local and foreign investors to invest in the provision of more warehouses at the Takoradi harbour to enhance its operations in the West African Sub-region.

He noted that one of the major problems facing the management for the past 20 years was inadequate warehousing facilities within and outside the port.

Mr Cyril-Nartey made the appeal when addressing a stakeholders' forum and photo exhibition at Takoradi on Monday as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). In June 1986, Ghana Ports Authority, Ghana Cargo Handling Company and Takoradi Lighterage Company merged into one corporate body 96 GPHA.

Mr Cyril-Nartey said since its inception, GPHA had made giant strides to achieve efficiency in the maritime industry. He commended Government for creating the right environment to achieve growth by modernising its operations to enhance service delivery.

"Our equipment level has been unprecedented with the acquisition of modern equipment and craft to enhance efficiency and effectiveness at the port," he added.

Mr Cyril-Nartey said the existing cordial relationship between management, workers' unions and other institutions operating at the port, had resulted in 91frank business-like exchange of ideas' for their mutual benefit.

He said the stowaway menace, which was associated with Takoradi Port continued to be a headache and the authorities were instituting measures to redress the problem.

Mr Cyril-Nartey announced that the slipway of the harbour, was being rehabilitated and when completed would create more jobs and boost revenue generation for the country.

Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister said its operations were sources of revenue and Government would continue to provide the needed support to enhance its modernisation efforts. He commended management for honouring its corporate tax and social responsibilities promptly and urged them to improve on their performance.

Mr Martison Ankobiah, Operations Co-ordinator of the harbour who took participants through its history said even though it had problems, it had made some achievements.

Mr John Aidoo, Former Director at the harbour called for more assistance from Government to enable it realise the objective to become the most modern port of call in the sub-region.

Osahene Busumakura III, Takoradimanhene cut the tape to open a photo exhibition on operations of the harbour since it was built in 1928.

The weeklong anniversary celebrations began with a float through the principal streets of Sekondi and Takoradi on Tuesday. Other activities include an awards ceremony on Thursday, October 12, a cocktail on Friday and thanksgiving service on Sunday October 15.