Shippers' Authority seeks ministerial partnership to combat Takoradi port traffic decrease

 

Western Regional Minister Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (middle) in a group picture with the GSA delegation

Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, has stated that he is willing to work with port authorities to address the issue of the drop in traffic at the Takoradi Port.

After successful meetings with the Takoradi Branch leadership of the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) on Monday, June 5, 2023 to develop a plan of attack, the commitment was expressed. The focus of the conversation was on ways to keep the Takoradi port profitable for the government's operations and competitive within the West African subregion.

Ghana's ports have seen a decrease in cargo throughput since June 2022. According to data from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), cargo throughput decreased between January and September 2022 by between 15% and 17%. At the beginning of 2023, the phenomenon had hardly changed at all. As a result, actions are being taken to reverse the trend in the second half of 2023.

The Takoradi Branch Manager of the GSA, Ms. Agnes Asamoah-Duku, stated that strategic interventions are required to draw more vessels to the Takoradi port during the visit to ask for the Honourable Regional Minister's cooperation to supplement ongoing efforts to solve the issue.

Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah gave the GSA team his word that he was willing to help because a successful outcome from such an intervention would not only spark lucrative business activity in the area but would also boost tax income. He expressed his willingness to actively support initiatives to rehabilitate the Takoradi Port so that it can draw more trade. He said that he will, among other things, take part in the GSA's enlightenment programs and campaigning on behalf of shippers in the area.

Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah and the Takoradi Branch Manager of the GSA, Mrs. Agnes Asamoah-Duku

Mrs. Asamoah-Duku thanked the Minister for his dedication to resolving the problem of declining port traffic at the Takoradi port. She took advantage of the chance to let the Minister know about the upcoming campaign to educate shippers in the area about the crucial role that various parties play in lowering the cost of doing business at the Port of Takoradi.