African Coastal Shipping not Feasible Yet - Mbiah

Accra (Greater Accra) 18 June '99

Mr Kofi Mbiah, Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Shippers Council, on Thursday said it is not feasible to operate African Coastal Shipping Lines now.

He said structures and resources necessary for the smooth operation of African Coastal Shipping Lines are not available for the success of such a venture.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra at the African Shippers conference, Mr Mbiah said only three per cent of the world's shipping tonnage comes to Africa.

"This is insignificant for the running of an African shipping line," he said, adding that before the project can take off, shipping traffic rights must also be conferred on Africa.

"To succeed, African shippers must come together and pool their resources from within. If we do not start from within, then there is very little chance of success".

He said the African shipping base must also be fully developed.