Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has commissioned four new marine crafts to help strengthen the security and efficiency of the ports of Tema and Takoradi.

The four marine crafts, made of two pilot boats and two patrol boats will serve the vital role in transporting maritime pilots between the shore and inbound and outbound ships they are piloting and enhancing the port's ISPS compliance and security within the anchorage respectively.

The four boats were christened after former directors and other senior management staff of GPHA who exhibited exemplary character and contributed to the development of the port and shipping industry in Ghana.

They are the late Capt. Edmund Deri Ziem, a former Harbour Master, the Kumi Adjei-Sam former General Manager at Tema Fishing Harbour, Capt. Joseph Eric-Quansah, a former Director of Port of Takoradi, and Jacob Kwabla Adorkor, a former Director of Port of Tema.

The Director General of GPHA, Michael Achagwe Luguje gave the honourees ample praise for their fortitude and commitment to duty during their tenure of office and thanked them for their services rendered.

He said the multi-functionality of the pilot launches will certainly speed up vessel handling and enable tandem activities that will provide significant time and cost savings for vessels.

“This whole project of equipping our ports is within our vision to position our ports as the leading ports in West and Central Africa and by so doing, we are not only investing in infrastructure to advance our two ports and the process of building our third port in Keta, but also to equip the marine front and ensure that security is effective, we are able to respond to ship calls within the shortest possible time by providing the necessary piloting and other marine facilities,” he said.

The Board Chairman of GPHA, Isaac Osei, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the sustainable development and prosperity of the industry. He also encouraged harnessing the potential of these assets to drive innovation, growth, and competitiveness in Ghana’s ports.

“Let us continue to work together, across government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to ensure that our corridor remains safe, secured, and fit for business for generations to come,” he stated.

A Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom, highlighted that government is dedicated to creating an environment for businesses to thrive.

He said the latest investment by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, will serve as a catalyst towards attracting a high sense of confidence from clients, especially, the shipping lines.

“I am convinced that this latest investment by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority plus the recent procurement of the new tugboats coupled with the modern and state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure at MPS terminal 3, Takoradi bulk terminal and others, will serve as a catalyst towards attracting a high sense of confidence for clients, especially the shipping lines,” he said.

The honourees and their representatives took turns to thank the management and staff of GPHA for immortalising their contributions to the growth of the authority.