Report by Joycelyn Adoma Arthur- 17/03/2024

John Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced his commitment to revitalizing the Tema and Takoradi ports in order to enhance their competitiveness.

During a meeting with stakeholders in the maritime industry as part of his “Building Ghana Tour,” Mahama expressed his intention to work with all relevant parties to revive the industry. The forum, attended by representatives from various associations and unions, aimed to gather input on challenges facing port operations and trade facilitation.

Stakeholders highlighted several issues, including the abolishment of taxes on transit goods, removal of shipping line charges, and high costs and delays associated with port procedures. Mahama acknowledged that the process of clearing goods at the ports can be burdensome for importers, and he proposed licensing non-banking financial players to assist them in accessing funds for clearance.

Additionally, he pledged to collaborate with freight forwarders to establish regulations for the sector and address concerns related to shipping line charges.

In a separate engagement with the clergy in Tema, Mahama reassured them that if the NDC is elected into power in 2024, they would not abandon projects initiated by the NPP administration. This reflects the party’s commitment to continuity and sustainable development.