GPHA commissions 4 marine crafts
From Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Tema
As part of efforts to boost marine operations at Ghana’s Ports, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has commissioned four new marine crafts to help strengthen security at the ports.
The four marine craft includes two Pilot Boats and two Security Patrol Boats and were christened after four former Directors and Senior Management Staff of the Port Authority.
The pilot boats will ensure facilitate safe and efficient movement of pilots to operate within the ports and the security patrol will help enhance security within the anchorage to avert threats such as terrorism and unauthorised access to sensitive areas.
They are Captain Edmund Deri-Ziem, Captain Joseph Eric Quansah, Kumi Adjei-Sam and Jacob Kwabla Adorkor.
The marine crafts are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of Ghana’s maritime activities and also contribute to the prosperity and progress of the nation.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom reiterated government’s commitment to provide relevant infrastructure to help position Ghana port as the port of choice within the West African Sub – Region.
He stated that the marine craft will serve as a catalyst towards attracting a high sense of confidence from clients.
He noted that government is committed to creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, hence will continue to fashion out policies to promote public – private partnership.
He entreated the GPHA to take good care of the marine crafts and other investment to ensure the sustainability of their operations.
The Director-General of the GPHA, Michael Luguje stated that the commissioning of the crafts is in line with the GPHA’s vision of positioning the ports to be the leading port in West Africa.
He added that as part of safety benefits from the crafts, it will provide medical evacuation and maritime emergency response for crew members.
He indicated the crafts will contribute to enhanced port efficiency by reducing turnaround times for vessels and will also increase overall productivity.
The Director – General also noted that the security patrol has been equipped with technology to provide visible presence around the ports to deter criminal activities.
Besides security duties he said that the craft will also assist in search and rescue operations to enhance Maritime safety and Humanitarian efforts.
He noted that the security patrol will contribute to environmental protection by monitoring pollution levels, responding to oil spills to enforce environmental regulations to safeguard marine ecosystems.
The honourees and their families expressed their gratitude to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for recognizing their contributions to the Port Authority.
