United State Coast Guard commends security at Ghana’s ports

Officials from the United State Coast guard have conducted their routine auditing of port facilities in the port of Tema.

The audit is in line with the international ship and port security (ISPS) code, which came into being in the early part of 2004 and aimed at implementing and enforcing high security measures to prevent the act of terrorism and other security threats in Ports and their facilities.

The team visited the various entry and exit points of the port of Tema to assess control mechanisms put in the place by Ghana’s Port Authority.

The team observed a high and full compliance on the part of Ghana’s Port Security led by Lt. Cool. Nana Antwi-Darkwa which is geared towards protecting lives and properties at Ghana’s Ports.

They also observed how cargoes are discharged in a safe environment.

Ron Caputo, a member of the US Coast Guard team commended the port authority for the improved level of security even in the area of cargo discharge but stressed that it can be improved.

The Port Security Manager, Lt. Col. Nana Antwi-Darkwa said security in Ghana’s Ports has improved enormously following stringent measures put in place the Port Authority.

“Education has been good, the access control system has also been very good because in 2014 we use to have issues with stowaways but now for the past two years there hasn’t been any record of stowaways from our country to any country,” he said.

The Harbour Master of Tema Port, Christian Yeboah Asante said noncompliance to the ISPC code could have had dire consequences for the Port Authority.

Meanwhile, the security department of the port authority has held a short ceremony to remember some personnel who died in the line of duty within the last 15 years.

This is said to serve as a source of encouragement for officers in the discharge of their duties.

They also used the occasion to show appreciation to God for his guidance and protection.

Personnel were charged to be professional in their dealings and desist from any act that could drag the name of the port authority and Ghana into disrepute.