GPHA trains journalists on port operations

As part of efforts to enhance the knowledge of journalists and other port users on the functions of the various stakeholders in the port sector, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has organized a one-day training workshop for over 70 journalists from Accra and Tema.

It is not uncommon to find media reportage attributing the actions and inactions of some state agencies in the clearance chain to the port authority, hence, failing to recognise that those agencies must be held responsible for their own actions.

Therefore, the training was aimed to help improve upon the reportage on the Authority as well as enlighten journalists on the functions of the port authority.

The General Manager, Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs of GPHA, Esther Gyebi Donkor said management of the port authority is doing all that it could to facilitate trade at the ports of Ghana.

In line with the Vice President’s directive for a paperless system and joint inspection at the ports by 1st September 2017, she said the port authority is ready to comply with the directive.

The move, according to her will reduce clearance time.

The Assistant Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority at the Port of Tema, Felix Martey-Kojo took journalists through the role of customs at the Port in ensuring trade facilitation and revenue generation.

He entreated importers to desist from employing the services of unlicensed clearing agents.

Amponsah Bediako, Head, of Public Relations, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), said their officers are at the port to ensure that contraband goods do not enter the port.

He said the GSA is committed to ensuring that the health and safety of Ghanaians are safeguarded.

On his part, Head of National Security in Tema, said his operatives at the port are there to ensure narcotics do not enter the port.

He added that their presence at the port is also to ensure that the state is not short-changed.