GHANA CARGO TRAFFIC REACHES 21m METRIC TONNES

Ghana records positive increase in its cargo traffic.

Reports from Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) revealed that a total of 21million metric tonnes of cargo was handled in 2017, which exceeded the set target of 20million metric tonnes, a 2million metric tonnes increase over the 19million metric tonnes recorded in 2016.

Figures in the report showed that the gross of cargo was carted by the 1,850 vessels that called at the Tema and Takoradi ports — a slight increase over the 1,830 vessel calls that were recorded in 2016.

Although the number of vessel calls fell short of the GPHA’s target of 1,900, the authority explains that most of the vessels that berthed at the country’s ports were larger vessels with huge loads of imports.

Director-General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah, told journalists in Tema, that last year was successful despite challenges and that prospects for the country’s sea trade sector remains bright, as 2018 is a year of action.

Ansah explained that the port remains the hub of economic development, as a growth in the sector translates to all  facets of the economy and vice versa. He also said his outfit intends to maximize the economic gains of the maritime sector, through export diversification and strong collaboration with stakeholders in the exports chain specifically the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority, the Ghana EXIM Bank, the Ghana Shippers Authority as well as the Ghana Free Zones Board and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Ansah further promised that by year end all processes and procedures of GPHA, will be fully automated  to make the port community more conducive for businesses.

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