The Chinese cargo vessel, MV GUO TOU 106, which was stopped from discharging cement at the Tema Port by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has finally taken berth and discharged 5000 tons of cement out 38,798 metric tonnes of goods comprising steel products and cement in jumbo bags and prevented from.

The vessel was carrying general goods and cement but was allowed to only discharge the general goods because the consignee’s license to discharge cement in the country had expired, hence, needed to be renewed.

Narrating the incident to Eye On Port, the Harbour Master of Tema Port, Captain Richard Quayeson said the vessel normally calls the port of Tema with cargo from china.

He said the vessel arrived in the country on 7th November, 2016 but was allowed to berth in the port on 19th November to discharge the general goods after which it left for the anchorage.

“There’s no arrest on the vessel, there’s no issue with the vessel, only that, from my investigation I learnt that the importer’s permit to discharge that cement had expired so she was not given the permission to discharge cement in Ghana,” he said.

Captain Quayeson also revealed that the vessel was brought back to the port later to discharge 5000 tons of cement after the consignee obtained the requisite permit.

He said contrary to media reports alleging security concerns, there is no course for alarm and that the port authority is well positioned to provide better service to vessels that go through the legitimate means to obtain permit.

“Tema Port has not got any issue with any vessel, they did the application, they did e-booking, it was approved, they did everything as required by the port regulations, our only issue is that we are expecting to discharge about 38000 tons of cargo but now we are discharging 5000 tons,” he said.