Ghana May Overtake Nigeria as Preferred Maritime Hub

• Ghana May Overtake Nigeria as Preferred Maritime Hub

The paperless clearing system introduced in Ghana’s port of Tema in May 2017 is yielding result and about to transform the port into the most preferred hub for maritime investment in Africa.

Under the system, exporters and importers are required to provide detailed and timely information about their shipment in advance on a global online platform, thus modernising operations to facilitate the movement of legitimate trade and the fast commencement of review processes well in advance in line with international best practices.

The policy has made port processes less stressful, resulting in effective time management.

Our correspondent gathered that already, major shipping lines have started investing in the West African coast.

One of them is Maersk which has already invested $1bn in ultra modern cranes and framework for the port.

According to a statement from AP Meller-Maersk, seven ship-to-shore and ultra-modern gantry cranes have already arrived the port and are set for inauguration in June.

The statement read in part, “This new gigantic port infrastructure will be able to accommodate Ghana’s trade and industry growth as well as serve as the regional hub for West Africa and beyond.

“Expanding the port using superior infrastructure and modern, advanced technology will allow Ghanaian companies to compete for business in the most cost-effective way.

“MPS’s terminal efficiency, accessibility, variety of shipping lines, frequency of vessel calls, fast vessel turnaround time, high port capacity and berth availability are the optimal criteria for making Tema Port, the hub port for Africa.”

Ghana’s President, Nana Akuffo-Addo, restated the importance of Ghana’s ports as national assets in his State of the Nation address, on February 21.

He had said the introduction of paperless operations aimed at aiding the clearance of goods within a day to three, was yielding results to the commendation of importers and stakeholders.

The President further articulated the announcement of other reforms to enhance the competitive position of Ghana’s ports and its impact on the cost of living in the country.

Going forward, the President expressed the preparedness of government to put in place initiatives – modernising Ghana’s ports in terms of infrastructure and ICT, to position them as the preferred maritime trade hubs of business in West Africa.

According to reports, Ghana’s ports have received major reforms in the 18-month of the Akuffo-Addo government, including the implementation of a paperless clearing system.