The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has begun activities to mark 40 years of service, growth and contribution to trade facilitation and the maritime sector in Ghana.
The anniversary, Mr Gavin Amavie, former General Manager of Operations of GPHA, said represented four decades of the authority’s contribution to trade facilitation and its leading role in the maritime sector in the West African sub-region.
Speaking at a media forum powered by the Authority, Mr Amavie stated that the anniversary should also provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the authority while renewing its commitment to the future.
He said the development of GPHA had been particularly significant because of the institutional challenges that existed before its establishment in 1986.
He explained that the authority was three state-owned institutions, each responsible for different aspects of port operations. from three state-owned institutions responsible for different aspects of port operations.
These included the Ghana Ports Authority, which managed port infrastructure; the Ghana Cargo Handling Company, which handled cargo operations; and the Takoradi Lighterage Company, which moved cargo between vessels and the shore.
Mr Amavie said the separation of the institutions resulted in fragmented planning and coordination, as well as challenges with the maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.
He noted that the integration of the institutions synchronised port operations and created a single organisation capable of coordinating various activities.
“One was the rehabilitation, and then the other one was setting staff in the right perspective to understand the jobs,” he said.
Mr Amavie said that staff training and exposure also helped to develop professionals capable of managing the authority’s operations.
He added that the consolidation further gave the organisation greater confidence when seeking financing for infrastructure development.
The 40th anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “40 Years of Service, Partnership and Progress: Building West Africa’s Premier Trade and Logistics Hub”.
Mrs Philippa Amanda Armah, the Chairperson of the GPHA 40th Anniversary Committee, said the theme reflected the committee’s desire to recognise the contribution of past and present staff, stakeholders and partners to the authority’s development.
Mrs Armah, who is also the General Manager of the Tema Fishing Harbour, indicated that the anniversary activities were designed to celebrate the people whose sacrifices and contributions had enabled GPHA to reach 40 years.
She said the celebrations were also intended to inspire the next generation, adding that the involvement and enthusiasm of current staff in organising the anniversary activities demonstrated their commitment to the institution.
