Port bottlenecks to ease drastically –MoTI

The numerous bottlenecks at the country’s ports will be reduced by at least 50 percent after work on reducing the number of state agencies engaged in the inspection and examination of cargos, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has said.

Currently, about 23 various state agencies are responsible for inspection and examination of cargoes; but Deputy Trade Minister Murtala Mohammed has assured the number will be reduced to about 10.

"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 whether all these agencies are needed at the ports. And even if all these agencies should be there, must they all attend to the inspection of goods?” he added.

Speaking at a media interaction between executives of the Ship-owners and Agents Association (SOAAG), journalists and other maritime sector actors in Tema, Mr. Mohammed said the move forms part of efforts 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.

According to him, the Trade Ministry is currently inviting proposals from industry stakeholders to that effect; adding the decision is in line with plans to roll-out a single window clearance concept in the country.

"We are currently taking proposals from stakeholders, and it is likely that this number will be reduced to 10 and so help reduce the frustration that shippers go through," he said.

Mr. Mohammed said MOTI has made efforts to decongest the ports as a priority, since it will help government 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 an essential element in daily business transactions.