In a significant move to tackle the persistent challenge of high operational costs at Ghana’s seaports, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and Meridian Port Services Limited (MPS), operators of Terminal 3 at the Tema Port, have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s agenda of reducing the cost of doing business in the country.
The renewed commitment was underscored during a working visit to the Tema Port by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Professor Ransford E.V. Gyampo.
The purpose of the visit was to engage with MPS management on improving service delivery to shippers and minimizing operational inefficiencies that contribute to high transaction costs at the ports.
Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Gyampo emphasized that the current administration is deeply keen about ensuring that the cost of doing business is drastically reduced.
“His Excellency President John Mahama is very passionate about his call for the cost of doing business to be reduced, and we, as Ghana Shippers’ Authority consider ourselves as key duty bearers in this noble cause.
“We are consequently poised to drive this agenda with the diligence and dexterity required, given its multiple benefits to stakeholders of the industry as well as the entirety of the Ghanaian population.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO Ghana Shippers’ Authority
Welcoming the GSA delegation, the CEO of MPS, Mr. Muhammad Samara, applauded the Authority’s proactive engagement, describing it as a constructive step towards creating a more efficient and business-friendly port environment.
He reaffirmed MPS’s readiness to collaborate with all key actors in the shipping and logistics chain to reduce inefficiencies and delays, which often translate into avoidable costs for businesses and traders.
Mr. Samara highlighted that MPS had made significant investments into port infrastructure and operations to meet global benchmarks, including adherence to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), to which Ghana is a signatory.
He noted that MPS draws on its global experience, with operations in over 90 countries, and leverages modern equipment, advanced technology, and skilled human resources to deliver quality service at the Tema Port.
“We have painstakingly ensured that our operations are streamlined to minimize challenges, especially those within our control.
“The cost of doing business is a direct function of efficiency, and we believe that by eliminating avoidable delays, particularly in container handling and clearance, we contribute significantly to lowering costs.”
CEO of MPS, Mr. Muhammad Samara
A major point of discussion during the visit was the issue of delays at the ports, often attributed to inefficiencies across the value chain.
Mr. Samara pointed out that some of the delays are caused by bottlenecks outside MPS’s direct control, especially involving third-party service providers operating within the port ecosystem.
He called for a holistic and multi-stakeholder approach to resolving such challenges.
For instance, he cited the example of container evacuation, which he said is frequently hampered by the inadequate availability and poor mechanical condition of haulage trucks.
“Timely evacuation of containers for example is pivotal to eliminating delay in the service chain, and therefore high cost.
“Therefore, the availability of trucks in adequate quantities is a fundamental resource that must be on hand consistently and those responsible for that must treat it as an utmost priority”.
CEO of MPS, Mr. Muhammad Samara
Mr. Samara also addressed recent concerns raised by shippers and industry stakeholders about the alleged frequent breakdown of scanners at Terminal 3, which they argue contributes to prolonged delays and rising costs.
In response, he clarified that MPS currently has three scanners, all of which are operational. He attributed interruptions in scanning services to instances where trucks experience breakdowns while within the scanning area, leading to temporary disruptions.
“MPS has excess scanner capacity. Any perceived downtime is often due to trucks that break down in the scanner lanes, not because the scanners themselves are faulty.
“We remain committed to delivering a world-class experience for our clients and are mindful of our obligations to Ghana as our host country.”
CEO of MPS, Mr. Muhammad Samara
Prof. Gyampo, while appreciative of the candid responses and MPS’s openness to collaboration, reminded the port operator of the shared responsibility all actors in the maritime and shipping sectors bear in promoting economic development.
He emphasized that Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry plays a critical role in balancing the country’s trade receipts and must be operated in a manner that supports growth, job creation, and national competitiveness.
“The industry remains one of the most potent avenues for balancing the trade receipts of the economy. All stakeholders must conduct their affairs in ways that enable this beneficial outcome.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO Ghana Shippers’ Authority
The issue of delays at Ghana’s seaports has become a recurring subject of public and private sector concern.
Industry players, particularly importers and exporters, have frequently expressed frustration over prolonged delays, rising demurrage charges, and opportunity costs associated with inefficiencies at the ports. Terminal 3 at the Tema Port, operated by MPS, has often been cited in these complaints.
In response, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has intensified its stakeholder engagements, holding a series of dialogues with service providers, including the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division.
The Authority has also welcomed initiatives like the Time Study conducted by Customs, which scientifically assesses the value loss resulting from delays in port operations.
Findings from such studies provide important insights into how delays affect the country’s socio-economic development and inform policy decisions aimed at reversing the trend.
Ultimately, the visit by GSA and the outcome of its engagement with MPS represent a progressive step in aligning private sector service providers with the policy objectives of the government.
It signals a recognition that efficient port operations are central to Ghana’s economic aspirations and that addressing systemic inefficiencies requires collaboration, transparency, and sustained commitment from all parties involved.
As Ghana positions itself to be a competitive trade hub in the West African sub-region, the effectiveness of its port operations will remain a litmus test for its broader business environment.
Ensuring that seaports function smoothly, predictably, and cost-effectively is not only vital for investor confidence but also for the long-term prosperity of the country.
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