(VIDEO) GPHA Calls for Stronger Maritime Security, Sustainable Port Development
Maritime stakeholders urged to strengthen security, environmental management and infrastructure to build resilient and competitive ports.
- Stronger maritime security urged.
- Ports told to embrace sustainability.
- Investment in infrastructure and innovation needed.
The management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has called for stronger collaboration among maritime stakeholders to enhance port security, protect the environment and improve operational efficiency.
The Director-General of the Tema Port, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, said developments in international shipping, maritime security threats, piracy and climate change continued to pose significant risks to port operations.
He stressed the need for ports to continuously invest in infrastructure, security systems and preparedness to effectively respond to emerging challenges.
According to Major General Kulono, maritime security, environmental protection and operational efficiency were critical to the sustainability of Ghana’s ports and the wider maritime industry.
He noted that ports played a crucial role beyond facilitating international trade, saying they also had a responsibility to protect the marine environment and the communities in which they operated.
The Director-General therefore called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, improved maritime security practices and effective environmental management to reduce inefficiencies and build resilient port operations.
He further emphasised the importance of innovation, investment and long-term planning, noting that the future of the maritime sector would depend on the ability of stakeholders to develop modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges.
Major General Kulono reaffirmed the GPHA’s commitment to meaningful engagement and cooperation with stakeholders to build safer, more secure and sustainable ports.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, Jean Marie Kwofie, said three key committees had been established to address critical issues affecting port operations.
He explained that the committees focused on environmental and security matters, infrastructure and development, as well as other areas relevant to the efficient management of ports.
According to Mr Kwofie, each committee had specific responsibilities and dedicated teams tasked with developing practical solutions to challenges confronting ports in the region.
He said the overarching objective was to ensure that ports in West and Central Africa remained competitive.
Mr Kwofie stressed that achieving this goal required proper environmental management, strong and reliable infrastructure, as well as effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders within port communities.
From Martin Kwabena Ahwireng Quaye
