We’ve begun implementing 20% Container Business – GPHA

The Ghana Ports and Habours Authority says it has begun a limited implementation of the 20% Container Business since the beginning of February 2020.

In a statement in reaction to the Maritime and Dockworkers Union’s unhappiness about the delay in granting 20% Container Business to the GPHA, the Authority said: “Efforts are being made by the GPHA to finalise the agreement of the 20% Container Business while the parties continue to negotiate on details including the continuous reduction formula, the 4-year term etc.”

“Management, therefore, entreats you and your members to remain calm and assure your members that the management of GPHA and the Meridian Port Services (MPS) are working assiduously toward the full implementation of the 20% Container traffic to be handled by GPHA.”

Last week, the Maritime and Dockworkers Union said: “We reject the proposal of MPS to implement the ‘Dubai Decision’ on a continuous reduction formula for a 4-year term. Our position is that the ‘Dubai Decision’ of granting 20% Container Business to GPHA should be implemented in the contract period of the Meridian Port services (MPS) Terminal 3 agreement.”

The union called for an immediate implementation of the 20% Container Business by GPHA, and emphasised its hope to have positive feedback on its demands in a week in the interest of industrial peace.

In 2019, the Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union (MDU), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana and the workers of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) developed a campaign for the review of the contract agreement of the MPS Terminal because of its negative effects on the revenues of GPHA and other maritime operators.