By: Deborah Amewoyi
President John Dramani Mahama has declared the Tema and Takoradi Ports as the major ports for the operationalization of government’s flagship program – 24 Hour Economy in July.
The policy which will be duly launched on Ghana’s Republic Day, July 1 is aimed at boosting productivity and the Ghanaian economy through a means where businesses operate around the clock within a three shift based system.
During his address at the ongoing Ghana Horticulture Expo on Wednesday, June 11, the president announced the adaptation of these two ports to aid with effective running of the policy.
One of the reasons for the adoption he stated is that, the ports will allow for swift movements of perishable foods from the fields into the international markets. “It allows perishable goods to move swiftly from the field to international shelves, thereby minimising losses and maximising value.” the move will significantly increase the value on exports of perishable goods from the country thereby having a positive impact on the Ghanaian economy.
He further hinted that the ministries and other relevant stakeholders in charge of seeing the adoption of these ports as major hubs for the 24 – Hour Economy come to light are working assiduously towards its implementation.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Trade and Agriculture Business and Industry, together with the Ministry of Transport, are working in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers’ Council, and other key stakeholders to soon declare the Tema and Takoradi ports as 24-hour operational ports” Mahama announced.
President Mahama affirmed that the 24 – Hour Economy – when fully operational “will involve building the necessary infrastructure, improving energy supply, enhancing security, strengthening transport networks, and developing digital platforms to enable continuous agricultural and industrial activities.”
He affirmed that the policy, when successful will set Ghana as the leading trade hub in the West African sub-region.
Mahama in a stakeholder consultation meeting on May 28 at the Jubilee house hinted on the government’s plan to adopt the waters as a major means of transportation during the operationalization of the policy. The president indicated that deploying the lakes as a major means of transportation will be more efficient than the congested roads we ply on.
