Facility to detect crime on vessels

Tema, Dec. 6, GNA-- The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has installed a 1.3 million Dollar Vessel Tracking System (VTS) at the Tema Port to detect crime, monitor vessel movements within Ghana's territorial waters, ports and to assist in security surveillance. The facility would also assist in the dissemination of information to staff in vessels and at vital places.

The facility, made up of automatic identification system, radar operation and computers with its accessories, was installed in a newly constructed Marine Department at the Port.

The two-storey building, has offices to accommodate pilots, marine crew, hydrography and marine engineering staff. Hitherto, officials of the Marine Department relied on "Very High Frequency" facility, which had only verbal communication network and was not as effective as the VTS.

Captain James Owusu-Koranteng, Harbour Master, explained the usage of the VTS to invited guests, who attended the inauguration of the VTS. He said the identification system could be used to create a barrier along gas pipe lines to prevent it from been damaged. He said the VTS, which had a memory for a period of over five years could also be used to assist the Meteorological Services in seeking information as well as disseminating information to stakeholders of the GPHA to enhance productivity.

Mr Ben Owusu-Mensah, the Director General of the GPHA, suggested to the Harbour Master to create a desk within the Marine block for the security agency.

He also called for the provision of digital facilities on the notice board that indicated movements of vessels to enhance performance. Mr Gordon Anim, Director of Tema Port, said the GPHA in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code had put measures in place to tighten security at the Port.

This includes the installation of close circuit television system, and the re-construction of perimeter fence wall while the marine dock also provided berthing space for the authority's crafts and Navy vessels. Commissioning the block, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minster of Ports and Railways, said GPHA had undertaken a number of projects within five years to improve operations at Ports and asked the staff to protect them.

He expressed concern about of stealing of vehicle spare parts at the Port and called for stringent measures to stop the practice as it could discourage importers from bringing goods into the country. Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi said the GPHA in collaboration with the Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority was planning to provide five patrol vessels to apprehend undesirable vessels.