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Information Pays> Afrique de l’Ouest > Ghana Agency
Details Antrak Ghana (GH) Ltd Antrak Ghana (GH) Ltd Mensah Utreh Rd. P.O. Box 148, Click here for a list of all OTAL agency offices Antrak Freight is a Ghanaian owned company whose principal activity is clearing and forwarding of import and export cargo. They have offices in Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi, Accra and at Kotoka International Airport. Antrak covers the whole of Ghana and also into Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali and Niger. Antrak operates a fleet of 53 trucks and trailers out of Tema and Takoradi, suitable for all types of cargo. From heavy duty Low Loaders, capable of carrying loads up to 100 tonnes, to the standard 40’ Flatbeds and 20’ Skeletal units. Plus light trucks and pick ups for the movement of smaller consignments. Facilities include a storage terminal and a comprehensively equipped workshop and transport yard in Tema and a storage terminal and workshop in Takoradi.
Tema
Port Information [ Port Infrastructure ] [ Tema Container Terminal ] [ Port Security & ISPS ] [ X Ray Scanner ] [ Port Statistics ] [ News ] Tema city and port lies in southeastern Ghana along the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean), 18 miles (29 km) east of Accra. Tema Port is the biggest of two sea ports in Ghana. It has water-enclosed area of 1.7 million square metres and a total land area of 3.9 million square metres. The Port of Tema is more than a mere loading or unloading place for goods. It is also a traffic junction, where goods are transhipped and transit cargo destined for the hinterlands/landlocked countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are handled. It is equally a port with a wide range of industrial and commercial companies, producing or handling among others petroleum products, cement, food items, iron and steel, aluminium products and textiles. Opened formally in 1962, Tema's harbour encloses 410 acres (166 hectares) of sea and is Africa's largest man-made harbour. There are 3 miles (5 km) of breakwaters, 12 deepwater berths, an oil-tanker berth, and a dockyard, warehouses, and transit sheds. The port's container yard is capable of holding over 8,000 TEU's at any given time. There are 290 reefer points available. A separate fishing harbour with cold-storage and marketing facilities is east of the lee breakwater. The government acquired 64 square miles (166 square km) of land north of the harbour and entrusted it to the Tema Development Corporation (1952). The “New Town” that was subsequently built on the site was planned as an industrial-residential complex. There was a large influx of population beginning in the 1960s owing to the new employment opportunities, but the corporation was unable to construct housing and provide other services to meet the needs of this migration. The result was the creation near Tema in an area called Ashiaman. Tema port was commissioned in 1962. The harbour which was a monumental legacy of the late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, President of the First Republic, who was anxious to see rapid industrialization of the country. Most of the country’s chief export, cacao, is shipped from Tema. Manufactures include aluminium, steel, refined petroleum, soap, processed fish, chocolate, textiles, cement, and chemicals. Tema port handled 6.3 million tones of cargo in 2000, nearly three quarters of total sea-borne trade for Ghana, whilst the export was little over half of sea-borne exports. For 2001 this figure dropped slightly to 6.14 million tonnes. Of this 5.07 million tonne was imports and 783,000 tonne exports and 283,000 tonne was transit cargo.
Transport
News Integration Of IDF Forms Into GCNet/GCMS - 05/03/08 Ghana Joins Rush To Secure EU Trade Ghana's deal provides for the immediate abolition of tariffs on virtually
all exports to Europe, and for the gradual dismantling over 15 years of tariffs
on 80%of imports from the 27-member bloc. The remaining 20% of imports are
deemed "sensitive products" which will be subject to tariffs even
after the 15-year transition period to promote economic development, food security,
employment and government revenue generation. Ghana Focuses On Non Traditional Exports The GEPC report indicated that during the periods of 2005 to 2006, all the markets recorded positive growth with the exception of the ECOWAS market that recorded a negative growth of -0.52%. The decline was as a result of the relative difficulty in accessing the Nigerian market even by companies with approval under the ETLS. The EU market performance grew by 13.88% while the markets in the other African countries, other developed countries, including emerging markets grew by 34%, 33.55% and 47.22% respectively. In 2006, Ghana’s single largest market for NTEs was the United Kingdom which accounted for 12.12% of total NTEs, worth US$108.2 million, representing a decline of 4.6% of the previous year’s figure of US$113.5 million. Cocoa paste veneer sheets, prepared tuna, cocoa butter, plywood, frozen tuna, shea nuts, cut fresh pineapples, other prepared fish and frozen fish, accounted for 51.7% of total exports worth US$461.7 million dollars. Cocoa paste which is the highest earner contributed 10.71% with a value of US$95.6 million, representing 226% increase over the 2005 figure of US$29.3 million. This was due to significant increase in the future prices of the product last year on the London futures market. Additionally, the increase was also partly due to expansion of Barry Callebaut Ghana Limited, a major exporter of cocoa paste. [Modern Ghana 15/11/07] Ghana Bans Transit Of Foreign Cocoa Across Country Recently, Ghana's Commissioner of Customs ordered the cancellation of permits granted to foreign companies engaged in the overland transit of foreign cocoa beans and cocoa waste, but the government was now transforming this into an all-out ban. Ntim said although Ghana paid higher farm-gate prices than its neighbours, including Ivory Coast, merchants in those countries often preferred to have Ghana's cocoa to mix with their stock and improve its value. Ghanaian cocoa is ranked among the world's best in terms of quality and enjoys a high premium. Local authorities in the eastern Volta Region, which shares a border with Togo, said smuggling of cocoa was on the increase and they were setting up a task force of farmers, local chiefs and young people to combat the illicit trade. Jasikan, Hohoe and Kadjebi growing areas are the main focus of the proposed taskforce in the east. As part of the anti-smuggling efforts, Cocobod has been providing vehicles and incentives to a unit of the armed forces that patrols the country's borders to stop smuggling of cocoa from high yielding areas such as Western, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions. [Reuters 30/11/07] GCNet: Temporary Vehicle Imports Module Over an extended period of time CEPS has faced a major challenge regarding the control of vehicles that are temporarily imported into Ghana across land borders. The reliance on manual forms has made it extremely difficult to ascertain whether vehicles temporarily imported into Ghana overstay the 90 day statutory period or in fact are ever re-exported. This issue has posed a significant risk of revenue leakage; temporarily imported vehicles may never be re-exported, instead being illicitly registered as Ghanaian vehicles. CEPS and GCNet have designed a module that integrates Temporary Vehicle Import
(TVI) operations at the land borders more closely into the Ghana Customs Management
System. The new module will provide CEPS with the tools necessary to capture
vehicle data at source, receive payments due, close TVIs online and automatically
reconcile imports with re-exports. [12/12/07] Secondly all goods imported into Ghana must meet the requirements of the Ghana Standard Board general labelling rules 1992 [LI 1541]. Goods that do not meet the requirements are deemed to be sub-standard. Contact Ghana 021 500065/6 for more details. New Marine Block Inaugurated GPHA To Rehabilitate Tema Transit Shed 7 Pilot Electronic Permit Scheme Successful It is anticipated that this move will bring improved processing times while providing EPA and CEPS with greater levels of security and enhanced monitoring and control capabilities. EPA now joins the following agencies in the use of electronic Permits and Exemptions [29/11/07] GCNet New Contacts Two German Trade Missions Visit Ghana A Forum, "Doing Business in Ghana" was organised to receive firsthand information on business opportunities in Ghana from the private sector. Other parts of the programme included a matchmaking day with over 70 Ghanaian Companies and a study tour to various companies including CEPS, MAERSK, Nestlé, GAFCO and others. Trade between Ghana and Germany amounts to 283,5 million. [Exports from Ghana to Germany at 125 million and imports to Ghana from Germany at 158 million.] First figures from 2007 indicate that this volume will increase again. Germany is the 6th biggest foreign investor in Ghana. [AM 21/11/07] A trade mission from the German Federal Land North Rhine-Westphalia, headed by German ambassador Dr. Marius Haas is currently visiting Ghana to establish economic ties. [GC 28/11/07] Construction Of Ferry Landing At Awudzakope, Lake Volta Ghana Cocoa Board Invests In New Cocoa Warehousing Cargo Levels Hit New Highs CEPS Instructed to Retrieve Rescheduled Duties Importers Exporters Want Access To China Ghana Reviews Tax Exemptions To Check Revenue Loss Alternatives To EPAs If Not Signed? The Ghanaian authorities have a positive approach on negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA]. They feel, however, that many points still need to be elaborated on the West African regional level which make - in their opinion -finishing the negotiations for the full EPA very difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, the Ghanaian authorities are very concerned about the possibility of a legal vacuum as from December 31, 2007 [for not signing an EPA] that would lead to important trade disruptions. Ghanaian authorities, to avoid such disruptions, proposed a "Generalised System of Preferences [GSP] -plus" as a temporary stop-gap solution. By resorting to the GSP+, the EU could still easily offer to all ACP countries good access to the markets for their exports at very similar levels to the access offered within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement, while remaining compatible with WTO rules as long as the regime remains open to other developing countries on the basis of objective and transparent development criteria. Fifteen developing countries, mainly in Latin America, are currently benefiting from preferential access to the European market within the framework of this programme. The GSP+ would provide a high level of coverage for ACP exports that currently use the Cotonou preferences. In 88% of the cases where the standard GSP applies higher tariffs than those of Cotonou, access without paying customs duties is provided for under the GSP+. The relevance of the GSP+ can only be analysed through a detailed examination, per country, of each export product. This study has analysed in detail the products targeted by the GSP+ for all blocs of developing countries in negotiation, namely in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]. More significantly, the key export sectors of horticulture, fishing and wood, sectors in which ACP member countries take special interest, will benefit from access to the EU market without paying customs duties under the GSP + by 2008 would guarantee to exporters and investors, in these key export sectors, the certainty they need for the continuation of their exports. This would relieve EPA negotiations of excessive and useless pressure in terms of time, and would enable ACP countries to continue negotiations beyond 2007, with or without negligible interruptions of on-going trade exchanges. However, EU has rejected the GSP+ and it is believed that the Ghanaian Authorities were working on other proposals to avoid trade disruption and provide legal security. They seem to consider the signing of an "EPA-light" as an interesting possibility. The "EPA-light" would be a stop-gap solution, whilst WA and the EU will continue negotiating the comprehensive pro-development EPA which remains the ultimate objective. "EPA- light" would have the same safety-valves for WA as proposed with full EPAs. Sectors which would not be ready [yet] to face competition from EU can be excluded temporarily with transition phases from 5, 10 to 20 years or even longer or, when necessary - totally excluded. The other alternative - application of the Generalized System of Preference - does not have these transition modalities. According to the head of the Trade Section of the EU in Ghana, Dick Naezer, technical work on EPAs would continue. However, no EPA would provoke a serious problem for African trade and for maximizing opportunities of African integration into the world economy. By the absence of a signed EPA, as from 01/01/08, import duties on exports from Ghana to EU would have to be applied on the basis of the Generalized System of Preferences. This would be very costly, because in such scenario WA exports to EU worth more than 1 billion Euro per year would be at risk [700 million Euro for Ivory Coast, 240 million Euro for Ghana; duties would go from 0% to more than 20% on average]. Products concerned are: bananas, pineapple, tuna, fish, shrimps, textiles cocoa paste, butter and aluminium. Naezer explained that the EU was committed to take all the necessary measures to design an EPA supportive of sustainable development, which promotes deep regional integration and good economic governance, facilitates trade and attracts private investment to the region, thus fostering growth and creating employment. "Our joint objective is to design an EPA that takes into account both the region concerns and the regions ambitions in terms of development," he said. He said the objective of EU for WA region is to design a market access offer that takes into account the region's sensitive products, that they can be either excluded or liberalised through a very long transitional period. And the regions ambitions: early liberalisation of entrants, which means reducing costs of production and enhancing competitiveness of W/A productive sectors. [Joe Baidu-Ansah, Minister Trade, Industry - GC 03/10/07] Ghana, Niger Shippers’ Councils Sign Pact Records show that Niger’s transit trade through Ghana has been a chequered one. The volume of trade in 1999 was 55,713 metric tonnes, and this steadily increased to a total of 104,747 metric tonnes in 2002. However, from 2003 the volume of transit trade reduced drastically from 53,465 metric tonnes in that year to 78,958 metric tonnes in 2006. The revised MoU focuses on areas of cooperation between the two councils, establishing consultative meetings and the creation of an oversight committee to oversee implementation of the MoU. The Committee will also be expected to resolve and settle disputes. The councils also pledged to conduct joint studies and research into areas of common interest to shippers of both countries, as well as support each other as much as possible in negotiations with ship owners, agents and other service providers in the transport chain. [08/10/07] CHRAJ Probes $16 Million GPHA Contract GMA Workshop On Port And Maritime Issues Ghana's 6.5% 2007 Growth Target Achievable German Investors Are Interested In Ghana The bilateral trade figures between Ghana and Germany in 2006 increased to €283.5
million [€158.3 million for German exports to Ghana and €125.2 million
for Ghanaian exports to Germany]. Germany imports from Ghana are mostly Cocoa
[55.6%], timber [13.4%], aluminium [16.5%] and tropical fruits [5.8%] whereas
Ghana imports from Germany primarily vehicles [31.1%], machinery [21.1%] and
chemical products [14.6%]. Highlighting the strengthening of ties, President Köhler made a visit to Ghana in January 2007 and a third Afrika-Forum is due to take place in Germany in November 2007 where the signing of a partnership agreement between the German State of North-Rhine-Westphalia and Ghana will further enhance this interest. [Marius Haas, German Ambassador to Ghana, GGEA Business Forum 03-05/10/07] Ghana - Burkina Faso Railway Extension Project Ghana Rail Privatization Alternatives To EPAs If Not Signed? The Ghanaian authorities have a positive approach on negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA]. They feel, however, that many points still need to be elaborated on the West African regional level which make - in their opinion -finishing the negotiations for the full EPA very difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, the Ghanaian authorities are very concerned about the possibility of a legal vacuum as from December 31, 2007 [for not signing an EPA] that would lead to important trade disruptions. Ghanaian authorities, to avoid such disruptions, proposed a "Generalised System of Preferences [GSP] -plus" as a temporary stop-gap solution. By resorting to the GSP+, the EU could still easily offer to all ACP countries good access to the markets for their exports at very similar levels to the access offered within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement, while remaining compatible with WTO rules as long as the regime remains open to other developing countries on the basis of objective and transparent development criteria. Fifteen developing countries, mainly in Latin America, are currently benefiting from preferential access to the European market within the framework of this programme. The GSP+ would provide a high level of coverage for ACP exports that currently use the Cotonou preferences. In 88% of the cases where the standard GSP applies higher tariffs than those of Cotonou, access without paying customs duties is provided for under the GSP+. The relevance of the GSP+ can only be analysed through a detailed examination, per country, of each export product. This study has analysed in detail the products targeted by the GSP+ for all blocs of developing countries in negotiation, namely in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]. More significantly, the key export sectors of horticulture, fishing and wood, sectors in which ACP member countries take special interest, will benefit from access to the EU market without paying customs duties under the GSP + by 2008 would guarantee to exporters and investors, in these key export sectors, the certainty they need for the continuation of their exports. This would relieve EPA negotiations of excessive and useless pressure in terms of time, and would enable ACP countries to continue negotiations beyond 2007, with or without negligible interruptions of on-going trade exchanges. However, EU has rejected the GSP+ and it is believed that the Ghanaian Authorities were working on other proposals to avoid trade disruption and provide legal security. They seem to consider the signing of an "EPA-light" as an interesting possibility. The "EPA-light" would be a stop-gap solution, whilst WA and the EU will continue negotiating the comprehensive pro-development EPA which remains the ultimate objective. "EPA- light" would have the same safety-valves for WA as proposed with full EPAs. Sectors which would not be ready [yet] to face competition from EU can be excluded temporarily with transition phases from 5, 10 to 20 years or even longer or, when necessary - totally excluded. The other alternative - application of the Generalized System of Preference - does not have these transition modalities. According to the head of the Trade Section of the EU in Ghana, Dick Naezer, technical work on EPAs would continue. However, no EPA would provoke a serious problem for African trade and for maximizing opportunities of African integration into the world economy. By the absence of a signed EPA, as from 01/01/08, import duties on exports from Ghana to EU would have to be applied on the basis of the Generalized System of Preferences. This would be very costly, because in such scenario WA exports to EU worth more than 1 billion Euro per year would be at risk [700 million Euro for Ivory Coast, 240 million Euro for Ghana; duties would go from 0% to more than 20% on average]. Products concerned are: bananas, pineapple, tuna, fish, shrimps, textiles cocoa paste, butter and aluminium. Naezer explained that the EU was committed to take all the necessary measures to design an EPA supportive of sustainable development, which promotes deep regional integration and good economic governance, facilitates trade and attracts private investment to the region, thus fostering growth and creating employment. "Our joint objective is to design an EPA that takes into account both the region concerns and the regions ambitions in terms of development," he said. He said the objective of EU for WA region is to design a market access offer that takes into account the region's sensitive products, that they can be either excluded or liberalised through a very long transitional period. And the regions ambitions: early liberalisation of entrants, which means reducing costs of production and enhancing competitiveness of W/A productive sectors. [Joe Baidu-Ansah, Minister Trade, Industry - GC 03/10/07] Ghana, Niger Shippers’ Councils Sign Pact Records show that Niger’s transit trade through Ghana has been a chequered one. The volume of trade in 1999 was 55,713 metric tonnes, and this steadily increased to a total of 104,747 metric tonnes in 2002. However, from 2003 the volume of transit trade reduced drastically from 53,465 metric tonnes in that year to 78,958 metric tonnes in 2006. The revised MoU focuses on areas of cooperation between the two councils, establishing consultative meetings and the creation of an oversight committee to oversee implementation of the MoU. The Committee will also be expected to resolve and settle disputes. The councils also pledged to conduct joint studies and research into areas of common interest to shippers of both countries, as well as support each other as much as possible in negotiations with ship owners, agents and other service providers in the transport chain. [08/10/07] CHRAJ Probes $16 Million GPHA Contract GMA Workshop On Port And Maritime Issues Ghana's 6.5% 2007 Growth Target Achievable German Investors Are Interested In Ghana The bilateral trade figures between Ghana and Germany in 2006 increased to €283.5
million [€158.3 million for German exports to Ghana and €125.2 million
for Ghanaian exports to Germany]. Germany imports from Ghana are mostly Cocoa
[55.6%], timber [13.4%], aluminium [16.5%] and tropical fruits [5.8%] whereas
Ghana imports from Germany primarily vehicles [31.1%], machinery [21.1%] and
chemical products [14.6%]. Highlighting the strengthening of ties, President Köhler made a visit to Ghana in January 2007 and a third Afrika-Forum is due to take place in Germany in November 2007 where the signing of a partnership agreement between the German State of North-Rhine-Westphalia and Ghana will further enhance this interest. [Marius Haas, German Ambassador to Ghana, GGEA Business Forum 03-05/10/07] Ghana - Burkina Faso Railway Extension Project Ghana Rail Privatization Gamma Ray Scanner For Takoradi Port Minister for Trade, Industry, PSD and PSI, Joe Baidoe-Ansah, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, noted that the scanner would not only contribute significantly towards the development and facilitation of trade, but also ensure that trade-related revenue would be duly collected. [Ghanaweb 05/09/07] Maritime Industry to Create 20,000 Jobs The industry also risks shortage of supply of officers with ISF/BIMCO statistics predicting a 40,000 short fall worldwide by 2010. To develop employment potentials the UN Development Programme [UNDP], the project initiator, has engaged in consultations to build policy and legal frameworks to support employment in the seafaring industry and to create awareness on employment in the industry. Bilateral and multilateral agreements have been made with partner countries involving agreements with the International Trade Federation [ITF] on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Ghanaian seafarers and also build capacity of relevant institutions including the Regional Maritime Academy and the Ghana Maritime Authority to supply high quality officer seafarers to meet the demands of the industry. It is also evident that there has been a shift in world shipping industry practices towards over supply of ships in relation to skilled personnel in developed countries who willingly train and accept jobs as sailors thus forcing many developed countries to look elsewhere for crew to man their fleets. [GC 21/08/07] Maritime Authority Notes Concerns of Freight Forwarders Ghana Export Trade Information Centre Ghana Standards Board · Standards GIFF Threaten Strike Over Container Satellite Tracking System The satellite tracking system as introduced by CEPS is a device placed on top of each transit cargo truck leaving the border and entering into neighbouring countries to check diversion of goods on a particular truck up to its final destination. An amount of 50 Ghana cedis is charged by CEPS officials per truck. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Secretary of the Elubo GIFF, Mr. Seth Adu Jack said GIFF did not understand why a new tracking system should be introduced by CEPS when the Association was already paying 0.2% to State Insurance Company (SIC) as Escort Fees to execute particular insurance bonds on all transit goods throughout the country. [GC 12/09/07] Ministry of Harbour, Ports And Railways Intensifies Operations According to the Minister for Ports, Harbour and Railways, Prof. C. Ameyaw Akrumfi, the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority [GPHA] is faced with a number of complex challenges of aftermath of privatization, transit trade, port congestion and delays in cargo clearance and corruption in the ports. On the area of rail the Minister pointed out that in spite of the very challenges facing the ministry, the railway system is poised for remarkable transformation. He noted that intensive efforts aimed at attracting investors to the railway system have started yielding fruit and as such the ministry on behalf of the government had signed an agreement with M/S Peatrack Limited for the rehabilitation and extension of the Eastern Rail Line. Approval has been given to the ministry to also negotiate with M/S Kampac oil of the United Arab Emirates for the rehabilitation and extension of the Western Rail Line and Atlantic Companies Inc. will construct, supervise and operate the suburban Railway System in the metropolitan areas of the country. Furthermore, the minister mentioned that the Authority would through effective flag and port state security programmes ensure compliance with the provisions of the Ghana Maritime Security Act [GMSA] and establish Automated Identification System [AIS] as well as other electronic surveillance system over the Ghanaian coastline to monitor shipping activities and also check acts of piracy and other illegal acts in the territorial waters. He reiterated that the GMA has initiated a number of legislations to give effect to the GMA act, 2002 [Act 630] and the Ghana shipping act, 2003 [Act 645], the Marine Pollution Bill, the Draft Regulations on Volta Lake and a comprehensive draft regulation for the implementation of the Ghana Shipping Act 2003 [Act 645]. [GC 01/08/07] Kampac Wins $1.6b Railway Deal In Ghana The new standard gauge line will start from Takoradi and run via Manso, Tarkwa, Huni Valley, Dunkwa, Awaso, Nyinahim, Sunyani, Techiman, Bole, and Sawla, Wa to Hamile. The project seeks to strengthen Ghana's freight corridor while stemming the railway network's traffic problems and revenue losses. The project also envisages rehabilitating and maintaining the existing Western Line. Part of the project is the opening of an inland port at Boankra Kumasi aimed
at reducing customs clearance pressure at the Tema and Takoradi ports by redirecting
freight inland, thus increasing rail traffic and revenue. New Satellite Tracking System to Monitor Transit Operations · Each transit vehicle will be required to attach a tracking unit of
the roof CEPS Notice - Start of Satellite Transit Tracking Operations The Ghana Customs and Excise Preventive Service [CEPS] has deployed a Satellite Tracking System to monitor transit operations in the country. Accordingly Satellite Tracking Units [STUs] will be attached to transit vehicles to help monitor their movement along the approved transit routes. Each transit vehicle will be required to attach a tracking unit to its roof
using a magnetic mountings and a wire security strop. Vehicles without a normal
horizontal metal roof will be required to have a horizontally welded metal
plate of at least 25cm x 25cm to the top of the vehicles. With the operation of the Satellite Tracking System, CEPS Transit Escorts
will be disengaged from accompanying vehicles on their journeys. Transitors
will be required to pay an Administrative Fee of GH¢ 50.00 per vehicle
for the facility. Tomato Paste Imports To Be Banned The notice comes barely a week after a report on the negative effects that under-invoicing of tomato paste and concentrate into the country was having on the economy and local producers of such products. The unfair trade situation in the industry has forced the only local tomato processing company in the country, Trusty Foods Limited, an Italian investment, which buys its raw material from the resuscitated Pwalugu Tomato Factory, now Northern Star Factory, to threaten a drastic cut down on its demand from the factory.' It is anticipated that should the threat be carried out, the numerous farmers in the northern part of the country who depend on the factory as their largest market will lose out, while the huge investment by the government to revive the factory will also go to ,waste. "Importers are advised to comply strictly with the notice," the Trade Ministry's notice warned, adding that "this directive is intended to curtail unfair trade practices associated with the importation of tomato paste and concentrate". Sources at the ministry said that apart from the problem of under-invoicing associated with the importation of tomato paste and concentrate, there were fears that starch dominated what had been canned as tomato paste. [The Graphic] Ministry of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development & PSI The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiatives, announces for the information of Importers and the General Public, that the importation of Tomato Paste and Concentrate is temporarily banned with effect from 1st November 2007. All importers of Tomato Paste and Concentrate are to note that a grace period of up to the 1st November 2007, has been given which is meant to provide sufficient delivery time to ensure customs clearance of all pipeline imports of Tomato Paste and Concentrate. Any Importer that imports Tomato Paste and Concentrate contrary to this Notice, commits an offence and shall have such imports confiscated. This directive is intended to curtail unfair trade practices associated with
the importation of Tomato Paste and Concentrate. Port Reception Facility - Takoradi Port 6th AGOA Forum in Ghana US Trade Representative Susan Schwab stated “It is vitally important that Sub-Saharan African countries become better able to export more of their agricultural products. Just as important, they must be able to export value-added processed and manufactured products to the rest of the world.” In the keynote address, Ghana’s President, John Agyekum Kufour, asked
for AGOA, which expires in 2015, to be extended another five years. “What
is required now is for Africa to develop capacities in terms of human resource
with cutting-edge skills and competencies,” he said. Ghana Standards Board Is 40 Regional Maritime Academy To Become University Volta Lake Transport Company Ltd On The Verge of Collapse The Minister for Harbour, Ports and Railways, Prof. C. Ameyaw Akumfi pointed out that the Ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholder institutions, have made concerted efforts towards revitalizing the company. The Ministry budgeted over ¢70 billion for the general rehabilitation and overhauling of engines of ferry craft operating at Adawso, Yeji and Dambai ferry stations. Under the Millennium Challenge Account, the Minister also hinted that government had secured a US$5.3 million for the acquisition of a new ferry craft for Adawso ferry station in the Afram plains making the necessary arrangement to access funds for the project to take off. [GC 07/08/07] Port Reception Facility - Takoradi Port - 27/08/07 For full tariff details please click here. Nicolas Sarkozy To Visit Ghana Condoleezza
Rice to visit Ghana GPHA Tenders Launched · Fuel infrastructure erection at the Golden Jubilee Terminal Export Certificate Required - Ghana Standards Board [GSB] The Ghana Standards Board [GSB] · To establish and promulgate standards with the object to ensuring
high quality of goods produced in Ghana either for the local or export markets. Accra – Head Office - responsible for Southern & Volta Region Customs New Satellite Tracking GUTA Educated On Import Procedures George Alorsor, senior operations manager of GSC, said the forum provided a platform for importers, exporters and traders to interact with the main stakeholders in Ghana"s maritime transport industry. He said, the issue of efficiency at the various ports of Ghana in relation to clearance of goods had been of concern to shippers over the years including missing containers, excessive charging, undue demurrage charges, delay in the processing of ECVR’s and its effect on demurrage and other costs and includes delay in unstuffing of containers. He stressed that the problems could not be laid solely at the doorstep of any organisation, neither could any organisation find solutions to them, and called for concerted efforts of all the stakeholders to find lasting and meaningful solutions to the challenges. According to George Alorsor, a number of measures such as the development of capital intensive projects like the installation of three ship-to-shore gantry cranes, and four rubber tyred gantry cranes had been done to address the challenges confronting the maritime industry. Others include the construction of a new container Terminal, a new off-dock container devanning area to accommodate all imported containers and vehicles and enhancing the turn round time of vessels to reduce congestion and its resultant surcharge on importers by the shipping lines. The GPHA and the Shippers Council had also introduced measures to facilitate the clearance process, such as the use of destination inspection scheme and the use of scanners in the examination of containers. The un-stuffing activities on the quay, ships queuing at anchorage for berths, ships chasing few handling equipments and difficulty in the location of containers, truck / container congestion, theft of vehicle spare parts, pilfering, damage to goods had been drastically eliminated. Tema Port has also been re-fenced and CCTV cameras installed to improve security. The Shippers Council has also, for two decades been regularly publishing a bi-weekly schedule of vessels sailing to and from Ghana’s ports. That he said had assisted shippers to plan their shipments appropriately. The council had also established a Shipper Information Centre to provide shippers with internet accessibility and business/communication facilities to enhance their competitiveness in the international markets. [TS 22/06/07] Bonaka Inland Port Non-Traditional Exports Rise Business Climate Survey Kampac Wins Ghana Railway Contract Bridge Development Programme MPs Adopt GSP+ As Alternative To EPAs The adoption followed a convincing presentation by Tetteh Homeku, Coordinator of Programmes of the Third World Network [TWN] on the pros and cons of the GSP+ ‘v’ the EPAs, which the EU has put on the table as its alternative to the current Cotonou Trade Pact set to expire by December 31, 2007. The MPs decision was unanimous, after having listened to several presentations
that the negative spillovers of the EPAs are sweeping and will in no doubt,
impoverish ACP countries even beyond levels predicted by current studies. The Chairman, Nana Akomea, who is also a former Minister for Information, tasked MP Enoch.T. Mensah to draft a proposal on the committee's decision. The MPs also disclosed they will be putting the issue before the whole Parliament for consideration. The Coutonou agreement provides exporters from ACP countries with preferential access to EU's markets. Preferential, in that whereas exports into EU's markets from other developing attract tariffs and custom duties, same from ACP countries are allowed duty and quota-free entry. However, the arrangement which has regulated trade between the EU and ACP countries for over 30 years since 1975 will be expiring on December 31this year and cannot be renewed without a waiver from the world Trade Organization [WTO]. Even if a waiver is to be granted, it will not be limited to only developing countries within the ACP, but will apply to all other developing countries as per the WTO's Most Favoured Nation clause [MFN], making the granting of that waiver costly to the EU as well as unbeneficial to ACP countries. This has necessitated the search for a new trade relationship between the EU and ACP countries that is WTO compliant and not worse off than Cotonou. The EU is thus seeking a deal under the EPAs as an alternative. But the EPAs, which will cover 80% of all trade, have been proven by studies, conducted by the ECOWAS Secretariat, the Economic Commission for Africa [ECA] and even the European Commission [EC] to have the potential of derailing the economies of ACP countries. Unlike the EPAs, the GSP+ does not require reprocity, except that it excludes some products from free entry. It does have some limitations, including stricter rules of origin clauses, but Mr. Homeku thinks these do not affect majority of the exports from ACP countries, arguing that ACP countries stand to lose only 2% of their market access under the GSP+, which to him is insignificant when weighed against the benefits that will accrue to them from the scheme. L. Y. Sae-Barawusi, Director of Multilateral Regional and Bilateral Division of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and one of Ghana's lead negotiators, however disagreed with Homeku's proposal. He said from experience, the GSP+, like the 'Everything-But-Arms' trade scheme, is not a binding legal agreement. Thus the EU can abrogate such an agreement at will and any time without suffering any penalties. Such an uncertain environment, he said, does not encourage investors and will not serve the development interest of ACP countries. He said the proposal can only be a stop-gap measure while the EU and ACP's proceed to search for a better trade arrangement. Yao Graham, Coordinator of TWN argued that whether the GSP+ is accepted as
a stop gap measure in the short, long or strategic term, it is important not
to miss the value of the breathing space that it would have created. What is
important though, "is that our negotiators should put it forward" as
their alternative trade package to the EU. [PA 30/04/07] The GEPC has a base of over 3,000 registered private sector exporting companies organized into 15 Product Associations. There are currently 383 different non-traditional export products categorized into agricultural, processed/semi-processed and handicrafts. The European Union market has continued its influence as a major destination of Ghanaian NTEs products, recording US$419.9 million for 2006, with ECOWAS being ranked second with US$242.7 million. On a country-by-country basis the UK is leader, followed by France, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. [GNA 10/05/07] New Ghana Cedi Notes & Coins Launched The redenomination exercise is expected to last for six months during which time the old and the new currency is expected to be used side by side as legal tenders. The bank is giving Ghanaians two months from the introduction to study and familiarise with the new currency before July 1 when it would formally be allowed for transactions as means of exchange. [GNA 04/05/07] Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition Concerned Over EPA The group is calling on government to make its position regarding the EPA negotiation with the EU clear, like countries such as Nigeria and Cape Verde, who have recognised the EPA, as presently being negotiated, as a bad development tool. [GC 23/04/07] Jubilee Terminal Commissioned & Feasibility Study
For Another Terminal To Begin President Kufuor said government in the "past six years, has initiated various policies and implemented a number of capacity improvement projects to develop the nations maritime industry to become a maritime fulcrum and the shipping gateway to the ECOWAS sub-region. With the commissioning of the Golden Jubilee Terminal, President Kufuor expressed the hope that it will reduce port congestion significantly and free more space for the handling of general cargo. He said in anticipation of the continued growth in the volume of trade, a feasibility study for yet another terminal is to begin soon. There is also a master plan study which has already been completed with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA]. For now, he said a number of state-of-the-art equipment has been acquired, while institutional reforms are ongoing to enhance the quality of service delivery within the port and the maritime industry in general. The Ministry has also set up an inter-sectoral oversight committee charged with making recommendations on ways of ensuring higher efficiency in port operations. [GT 30/03/07] Ghana - Tema Port Reefer Storage Meridian Port Services Handover Construction will be handed over in two sections. The first section comprising of the main container gate and approximately 6 hectares of paved surface will be handed over on 31’st March 2007 when commercial operations will begin. The remaining paving, administrative buildings and workshops will be completed during the 4th quarter of 2007. MPS is expected to invest heavily in equipment including gantry cranes, reach stackers and terminal tractors as well as state of the art information systems whilst also placing emphasis on training and development. MPS will also hold a monthly meeting scheduled for the last Friday of every month starting 27/04/07 as a medium where issues confronting the user community can be discussed. MPS: Operating Procedures for the Shipping Community Ghana & Nigeria Harmonise Standards, Sign Pact Similar memoranda of understanding are billed to be signed soon with other standards institutions in Africa to facilitate trade through the harmonisation of standardisation programmes and procedures. [VAN 18/04/07] CEPS: Importers
To Note Regulations On Treatment Of Unmanifested Vehicles Ghana Cement Imports Eastern Rail Network: PPA Agreement Calls For More Trade Between Ghana, Thailand Reefer storage at Tema Port - 16/04/07 Congestion: Tema/Takoradi Takoradi Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority Golden Jubilee Terminal For details please view http://www.otal.com/ghana/Golden%20Jubilee%20Terminal.pdf Ghana Conference: Preparing To Locate Business Partners in UK, Europe, America
and Asia Import Clearance Process at Ghana Seaports DO'S 1. Submit the final invoice, IDF [from the Ministry of Trade & Industry],
Packing list and a copy of the Bill of Lading two weeks before arrival of vessel
to the Designation Inspection Company [DIC]. SCAN OPTION DON'TS EPAs Will Protect Ghanaian And ACP Producers - EU Trade Commissioner Mandelson further stressed that it was in the interest of businesses in Ghana to have easy and cheap access to imported goods, and it was certainly in the interest of Ghanaian consumers. On the question of the agreements providing for and supporting the space of ACP countries to formulate and pursue their own development strategies the EU Trade Commissioner said, "Nothing in the EPAs will stop West African countries from formulating their own development strategies - the whole point of EPAs is to be part of those strategies". He said the EU will also be providing development aid to help assist with the costs of implementing EPAs and to help cover the adjustment issues. [GC 13/03/07] WATH/A Plays Crucial Role In New Access To Credit Program The program, ‘Promoting Access to Credit,’ was formally signed into existence February 8, during a ceremony at ECOBANK Ghana attended by several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Alan Kyerematen. The Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] was signed by US Ambassador to Ghana Pamela E. Bridgewater, USAID/ West Africa Mission Director Dr. Jatinder Cheema and ECOBANK Group CEO Arnold Ekpe. Ambassador Bridgewater called SMEs the “bedrock” of the regional economy and said timely financing for them would lead to economic growth and job creation. “A wall of confusion and distrust exists between bankers and SMEs,” Bridgewater said. “We know that with the lessons learned here, more SMEs can benefit.” “We are committed to developing small and medium enterprises in Africa, and this agreement with USAID and the U.S. Government has come at the right time,” Ekpe said. ECOBANK Group is one of the leading regional independent banking group in Africa, with operations in 16 countries across West and Central Africa. ETI and USAID have contributed a total of US$300,000 for the 10-month pilot phase, initially based in Ghana. The Trade Hub and another USAID-funded project, Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance, will provide training and assistance to bankers and specially identified export-ready companies in Ghana. Later phases plan to make the program available in other West African countries. The Trade Hub’s financial specialist, Judd Welsh, said the pilot should create more appropriate financing tools and mechanisms for small businesses, particularly those exporting non-traditional goods, like apparel, shea butter and handcrafted home décor. Bankers often don’t understand the particular constraints faced by SMEs, Welsh said, and many smaller businesses are lacking basic knowledge of how to best present themselves when applying for credit. At the ceremony, the deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana said he hopes the program will sow the seeds of a more open financial environment: “We hope to see other MOUs like this signed by other banks so that we will soon be seeing growth in credit in Ghana and across the region.” [This article originally appeared in the WATH Factor, a monthly newsletter published by the West Africa Trade Hub, a USAID-funded project promoting export development and trade facilitation. www.watradehub.com] Road Rehabilitation Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority Golden Jubilee Terminal Opens
- 16/03/07 Meridian Port Services To Start Operation In March -
03/03/07 A statement issued jointly by the company and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] said the facility would include stacking and marshalling yards, gate complex and workshops, among other facilities. MPS is a joint venture company between GPHA [30%] and Meridian Port Holdings Limited [70%], which in turn has a joint venture with Bolloré and APM Terminals, the two shareholders. The MPS was granted the concession in August 2004 to operate the container terminal for 20 years during which an annual lease fee and royalty of 25% of gross stevedoring revenue and 10% gross shore-handling revenue would be paid to GPHA. Under the agreement, MPS assumed the exclusive responsibility fro management, stevedoring and handling of containers at the facility. According to the statement, the MPS terminal would be operated as a common user facility and vessels would continue berthing on a first come, first served basis. [DG 22/02/07] Ghana Government Suspends Contract - 03/03/07 According to sources, the suspension move is to enable government to allocate a certain percentage [about 10%] of the contract to indigenous companies. The suspension, would last until all outstanding issues on the contract are permanently resolved. From the very first day that government made clear its intentions to award the management of the container terminal on contract to a foreign consortium, Meridian Port Services [MPS], stevedoring companies and the majority of the 4,000 or so dockworkers have expressed fear of their exclusion and brought mounting pressure on government and the sector minister, Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi to review and consider their inclusion in the contract. Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi has said the contract would be put on hold to enable the government to consider the plight of indigenous Ghanaians whose interests must be protected in any circumstance. Therefore he had instructed the Director General of GPHA, Mr Ben Owusu Mensah not to give a firm date for the takeover until all outstanding issues are resolved. The contract gives Meridian Port Services [MPS] the sole right to manage the container terminal at the Tema Port over a period of 20years after which it would hand it over to the GPHA. Under the terms of the joint-venture agreement to the container terminal, GPHA has 30% shareholding while the consortium controls 70%. GPHA Transfers Quay 2 Management to Meridian Port Services
- 03/03/07 Please http://www.otal.com/images/OTAL Services/20070130, start up plan.ppt to find details on MPS [This is a large ppt file and may take a while to download] . Massive Job Loss To Hit Tema Port Ports, Harbours and Railways Minister, Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi stated he has asked the Director-General of the Ghana Ports’ and Harbours’ Authority [GPHA], Mr. Ben Owusu Mensah not to give a definite date for the take-over until certain conditions were met by the consortium. From indications, all appears to be set for the management contract to take-off by the middle or end of February 2007. GIFF Want To Regulate The Activities Of Ship Owners Call For Ban On Incandescent Bulbs Eastern Railway
To Take-Off CEPS To Acquire Speedboats To Patrol Volta Lake Ho Sector
Of CEPS Exceeded 2006 Revenue Target | |||||||||||||||
