Vessel Traffic Management system being built along Ghana's coast

The Ghana Maritime Authority is constructing a Vessel Traffic Management Intelligent System along the country's coast to monitor activities of foreign and local vessels in Ghanaian territorial waters.

In this regard, a 55-metre high radar tower has been erected at Half Assini in the Western Region.

Mr Edmund Amoama, Site Engineer of Astera Engineering Limited which is working on the project made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Half Assini.

He said the project which started in November this year, is currently about 50 per cent complete and is expected to be completed in January 2013.

According to Mr Amoama, the country’s ports were getting a lot of traffic which required an improved system of surveillance to direct them while in the country’s territorial waters and also monitor their movement and their cargoes.

He said the facility will also direct ships safely into the country.

Mr Amoama said 12 of such facilities were being built along some coastal towns, including Tema, Keta, Takoradi, Axim, Cape Coast, and Winneba.