Stevedoring companies urged to intensify implementation of policy

Accra, Jan 29, GNA- Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways has urged stevedoring companies to intensify their preparations for the smooth implementation of the liberalized market policy on stevedoring operations at the Tema and Takoradi ports.

The Minister said Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority had to put on hold the implementation of the policy to enable stevedoring companies improve their level of preparedness for the introduction of the free-for-all policy.

He made this known at an executive meeting of the Ghana Association of Stevedoring Companies (GASCO) at his office, a statement issued in Accra on Thursday said.

Mr Ameyaw-Akumfi said the liberalized market policy was an important part of the Gateway Project embarked upon by government to make the trade and investment hub in the Sub-Region.

The president of the Ghana Association of Stevedoring Companies Mrs Victoria Hajar said the association welcomed the introduction of a "fair and healthy competition" in the stevedoring at the Tema and Takoradi ports.

She said it was however necessary to have further consultations between the association and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) before the smooth implementation of the free-for-all policy. Mrs Hajar expressed the hope that being important stakeholders in ports activities stevedoring companies should be involved in programmes aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Tema and Takoradi ports.

The association also raised concerns about the pre-funding of stevedoring operations by shipping agents, representation of GASCO on the proposed board to be established under the landlord bill and the insufficiency of trucks to offload cargo meant for the landlocked countries.