Agency Details
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Delmas Ghana (CMA-CGM Group)
Mensah Utreh Rd.
P.O. Box 148,
The Commercial Warehouse Area
Tema Harbour,
Tema
Ghana
Tel: (+233) 22 218 538
Fax: (+233) 22 218 521
E-Mail: tma.hboakye@african-agency.com

Delmas Ghana (CMA-CGM Group)
Harbour Business Area,
No 13/13 Amanful Road,
Opposite Ghana House,
P.O. Box 0712 M/C,
Takoradi
Ghana
Tel: (+233) 3126681
Fax: (+223) 3122454
E-Mail: adwowa.baiden@gh-antrak.com

Delmas Ghana (CMA-CGM Group)
Beside the Zenith Bank,
Ahodwo,
Kumasi,
Ghana
Tel: (+223) 5141812
Fax: (+233) 5147500
E-Mail: tma.ropoku@african-agency.com

Click here for a list of all OTAL agency offices.

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OT Africa Line Service Brochure
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For comprehensive details highlighting our service from Ghana please see our latest service brochure.

Tema Port Information
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[ Port Infrastructure ] [ Tema Container Terminal ] [ Port Security & ISPS ] [ X Ray Scanner ] [ Port Statistics ] [ News ]

Tema port infrastructure

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.

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Tema Container Terminal (TCT)

The Tema Container Terminal (TCT Ltd) based in Tema, Ghana is a privately operated container terminal resulting from a joint venture between Antrak Ghana Ltd and SDV Ghana Ltd. TCT aims to significantly increase Ghana's cargo reception, storage, bonded warehousing and clearance capabilities, providing consumers with a broader commercial choice.

The site started life as a dedicated timber terminal, but when timber exports via Tema port were re-directed to Takoradi in the early 1990s in order to boost the economy of the Western Region, it was decided to upgrade and convert the site into a container terminal. The US$10 million terminal, opened in March 2002, will employ over one hundred staff and will be seen as an important long-term investment in the infrastructural needs of Ghana. No other private organisation has invested so heavily in Ghana's transport system and this project is the first of its kind in Ghana.

The Ghana Gateway project opened the door to private investors and encouraged new ideas of this kind. The Gateway programme envisaged harnessing Ghana's potential as an export processing zone and regional trading, transhipment and relay hub. The terminal compliments Ghana's growing use of containers and its prospects as a cargo hub and transit route to land-locked Africa, attracting more external business through Ghanaian ports and borders.

Benefits of using TCT

• The terminal covers an area of 50,000m2 with an annual throughput capacity of 40,000 TEU, static capacity 1,250 full TEU and 3,000 empty TEU
• Specialised staff trained in container terminal operations
• Efficient handling of containers both full and empty
• Enhanced overall efficiency through improved control of container movements
• Within the hour delivery of FCL cargo against shipping lines delivery order and GSL gateway pass · Reduction in empty storage costs achieved through efficient stock turnover
• Reduction in empty storage costs achieved through efficient stock turnover
• Reliable handling equipment available 24 hrs a day which will reduce disruption to ship's side transfers and stevedoring operations including 3 x 42t top lifter, 2 x 28t GP fork-lifts, 2 x 15t empty handler, 4 x 3t stripping forklift, 2 x terminal tractor and trailers and 10 x 40' flat bed trucks
• This equipment is maintained on site in purpose built workshops and unlike some shore handling operators all of the equipment is operational twenty four hours a day speeding our transfer and your delivery activities.
• The free flow of containers will result in better port performance. This will reduce the consequential cost of using Tema Port and increase Ghana's overall competitiveness against neighbouring states as the True Gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Round the clock security and surveillance patrols prevent any unauthorized access to the platform and maintain absolute watch over your cargo making TCT the terminal of choice at Tema.
• TCT's fully computerized information and accounting systems mean instant location of your cargo within the terminal and on the spot delivery of your goods after customs formalities have been completed. TCT intends to develop its operations to include devanning of groupage containers into a purpose built CFS and consolidation of Export Cargo.
• The new office complex houses Officers from CEPS, the cargo Inspection Agencies and TCT. Processing of documents no longer involves racing round Tema Port as all service counters at TCT are now within a few meters of one another.Couple this with the fact that the stripping and delivery area is just fifty meters from the office.

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Port Security & ISPS

The implementation of the ISPS code came into effect on the 1st July 2004, a global maritime security standard introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for member nations.

Below are the details of the Ghana ports plans for 2004:

• The Ghana port authority has approved Port Facility Security plans
• 24 hour security has been put in place and general security has been increased
• Permission must be sought by the vessel or authorised agent at least 24 hrs prior to pilotage. All vessels must show that they are in possession of a valid International Ship Security Certificate.

The pilot will make the vessel aware of the following:

• Notification of the Security Level currently applied at the Ghana ports.
• Contact details for the Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO), Security control room and operations coordinator

The vessel must make the port aware of:

• Details of the International Ship Security Certificate
• Name and contact details of the Ship Security Officers (SSO)
• Any special Security provisions
• Confirmation of Declaration of Security (DOS) measures where a DOS has been initiated by the ship or port.
• Vessel must confirm that they have done a thorough anti stowaway search of the vessel prior to departure.

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Transport News
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New Commodity Village Decongests Sekondi-Takoradi - 31/12/09
A new 300-acre commodity village at Apowa near Takoradi offers a holding area for articulated trucks loaded with dried cocoa beans meant for shipment through Takoradi Port. The facility also serves as a one-stop shop for drivers who carrry large quantities of cocoa from the hinterland to the harbour. The Cocoa Marketing Company [CMC] stated that the facility had assisted in decongesting the Takoradi Port noting that the lorry park could host 800 trucks. The facility also offers an axle load weigh bridge. On average 120 trucks loaded with dried cocoa beans visit the park daily while samples are taken for quality control analysis, fumigation and storage before export. [GNA 31/12/09]

Anhwiankwanta-Yamoransa Highway - December 2009
Mr Adansi-Gyimah, Assembly Member for Apagya in the Adansi South District, has called on the Ministry of Road and Highways to expedite action on the reconstruction of Anhwiankwanta-Yamorasa Highway. Reconstruction works on the road, which began 2-years ago, has virtually come to a standstill. The highway is used by most of the heavy-duty trucks that deliver cocoa, timber and other goods to and from Takoradi Port.

Ghana: 24h Deadline For Consolidation Of Export Cargo - 13/01/10
The Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority [GPHA www.ghanaports.gov.gh] has introduced a 24-hour deadline for consolidation of export cargo. The official notice [DP.TM/5.7/Vol.13/8881] aims to improve vessel turnaround. Exceptions are made for refrigerated cargo which is allowed to be delivered up to 8-hours after vessel berthing.

Ghana Container Terminal [TCT] Awarded ISO Certificate - 26/11/09
The Ghana Container terminal [TCT] has been awarded the International Organisation for Standardisation [ISO] 9001:2008 certificate. ISO 9001:2008 is a quality management standard which helps both product and service organisations achieve standards of quality that are recognised and respected throughout the world. Established in 2000, TCT’s focus is to become one of the best terminals operating in Ghana. TCT currently delivers 50,000 TEU of full containers to Ghanaian importers and has a permanent storage capacity for 4,800 TEU for empty containers. [Antrak 26/11/09]

Axle Weight Scheme A Success - 01/09/09
Nestor Galley, Director-General of GPHA, has noted the successful introduction of the weighing of the axle-load vehicles and cargo inside the port before the vehicles exit the port. Since the introduction of the exercise a couple of months ago, vehicles which were loading almost 90 tonnes of cargo, are now carrying between 31 and 51 tonnes. However current avaliabilty of satellite tracking devices, which are used to detect the weight of the loads in the vehicles, are in short supply. As such the GPHA is unable to track the vehicles when they leave the port. [TC 01/09/09]

Easing Tema Port Traffic Congestion - GPHA To Construct 6-Lane Road - 16/10/09
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] will start construction works next year on a 6-lane road from the motorway roundabout to the Tema Harbour as part of a project to ease traffic congestion in the port. The project includes a dual-carriageway to be constructed from the Nungua barrier to the port as well as the building of a new modern car park at Kpone. [GG 16/10/09]

Germany to Open Trade & Industry Office in Ghana - 02/10/09
Germany is to open a Trade and Industry Office in Ghana, to improve economic partnership between the two countries.Dr. Marius Haas, German Ambassador to Ghana, disclosed this at the opening of a 4-day German European Business [GEREU] 2009 Trade Fair, being organised by the Ghanaian-German Economic Association in Accra. The fair showcased products in automotive, energy, construction, engineering, medical equipment, telecommunication, digital business and logistics. [TC 02/10/09]

Tema Port - GPHA To Construct 6-Lane Road - 19/10/09
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) will start construction works next year on a 6-lane road from the motorway roundabout to the Tema Harbour as part of a project to ease traffic congestion in the port.
The project includes a dual-carriageway to be constructed from the Nungua barrier to the port as well as the building of a new modern car park at Kpone.

Ghana Cargo Vehicle Axle Weight Limits – 15/10/09
Please click here for the latest axle weight limits by vehicle category.

Axle-Load Law Update - 21/08/09
The axle-load limit law was relaxed two weeks after its implementation due to its resultant congestion of loaded trucks in the port; and after a joint visit of the Transport Ministers of Ghana & Burkina Faso. The law was initially suspended for one week, ending July 17 but, still remains relaxed to date and it is rumored that it might not be re-enforced any longer due to its failure in Togo. After discussions between the two
governments they have added 1.5T per axle so for a six axle load this means they can load 9T of extra weight. [21/07/09]

Export Licences For Scrap Metal / Teak Frozen - 13/08/09
The Ghana Trade Ministry has halted issuing licences for export of scrap metal and has frozen issuing of licences for the export of teak. [OTAL Agent 13/08/09]

Government To Review Ghana Shippers Council Law - 06/08/09
The Ghana Government is to review the Ghana Shippers’ Council law to deal with overstayed containers at the country’s ports, excessive charges by some clearing agents and delays in processing of documents. This is to bring transparency in the charges and fee regimes of transport service providers in the country. [GNA 06/08/09]

Shippers Complaint Unit Commissioned - 06/08/09
Deputy Minister of Transport, Dzifa Aku Attivor has inaugurated the Volta Regional Shippers Committee [VRSC] and commissioned the Aflao Shipper Complaints and Support Unit [SCSU] of the Ghana Shippers Council. These new organisations will help resolve complaints of high valuation for imported goods, poor warehousing facilities, inland transportation problems and road delays due to numerous checkpoints [GNA 06/08/09]

Maritime & Railway Boards Inaugurated - 06/08/09
The Ministry for Transport, inaugurated four new boards of Agencies, comprising, the Ghana Maritime Authority [GMA www.ghanamaritime.org], Ghana Shippers Council [GSC www.ghanashipperscouncil.org], Ghana Railway Development Authority [GRDA] and Intercity State Transport Corporation [STC].

Government To Revamp Railway Sector With US$135-Million - 31/07/09
Minister of Roads and Transport, Mike Hammah, has said about US$134 million would be required to extend the Eastern [US$55], Central [US$34] and Western [US$45] railway lines to the Boankra Inland Port for smooth take off of the facility. He noted the government would take 4-years to complete the different linkages to the port to serve neighbouring land locked countries to the north of Ghana. The minister also noted that part of the loan contracted by the government would be used to address problems at Kaasi where any time it rained the place got flooded making it impossible for the trains to operate. Touching on the 1.8km road linking the Boankra inland port with the Accra/Kumasi highway, the minister said efforts were being made to review the contract to ensure value for money. [GNA 31/07/09]

Ghana axle-load law – 21/07/09
The axle-load limit law in Ghana was relaxed 2-weeks after its implementation due to its resultant congestion of loaded trucks in Tema port; and after a joint visit of the Transport Ministers of Ghana & Burkina Faso. The law was initially suspended for 1-week, ending 17/07/09 but, still remains relaxed to date and it is rumored that it might not be re-enforced any longer due to its failure in Togo.

Government to Revamp Rail Sector - 30/06/09
The government has released a total of US$2 million to the management of Ghana Railways Company [GRC] for the revamping of the western rail line. The western rail is the main source of revenue generation for the company, and the move has been hailed by experts in the rail industry. The decision forms part of the government's short term vision of revamping the Railway Company, which has been under performing for a decade now. Meanwhile the government has appointed a consultancy firm to thoroughly study the problems of the company, and prescribe solutions to it. [TC 30/06/09]

Ghana Ports Send Delegation To Lome Port - 25/06/09
The Director General, Nestor Galley has expressed disappointment at the use of the Lome port by importers in Ghana and that about one million metric tonnes of Ghana's cargo passed through the Lome port last year instead of through Takoradi or Tema ports. Officials from the GPHA are to go to Lome to investigate the situation and to interact with the consignees to find out the type of cargoes that pass through that port and the reasons why they preferred it to Ghana ports. [GNA 25/06/09]

Port Authorities Launch Master Plan For Takoradi Port - July 2009
The port authorities have put in place an 'Immediate Master Plan' to reclaim a portion of the sea to serve as a new berthing place to contain the Oil Service Vessels that have had to berth at the nearby Naval Base. Among the actions contained in the master plan, is the creation of Oil Service terminal and bulk cargo terminals, which are estimated to cost a total of US$650 million. Other challenges confronting the port are the shallow waters which need deeper dredging to allow larger vessels to berth as well as inadequate warehouse, inadequate transit sheds and lack of space for trucks.

Non-Traditional Exports Surge Despite Global Crisis - July 2009
In spite of the global financial crisis, non-traditional exports [NTEs] performed better in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2008. Data available from the Ghana Export Promotion Council [GEPC] indicated that exports during the period amounted to US$316.6 million, a growth of 35.5% over revenue of US$238.9 million for the same period in 2008. Processed and semi-processed products contributed about 86% to the revenue. Cocoa paste, plastic products, cocoa butter and canned tuna were among the 10 leading products exported during the period. The EU and ECOWAS were the major destinations for NTEs, accounting for 44.6% and 35.7% of the market respectively.

Axle Load Regulation And Road Safety Forum - 12/07/09
The Ministry of Transport, Ghana Shippers Council [GSC] and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] recently held a 1-day forum on "axle load regulation and road safety" for stakeholders in the haulage industry in Takoradi. The forum was the third in a series impressing on stakeholders the requisite infrastructure, legal and administrative framework to facilitate their work. The Ghana Highways Authority [GHA] said a new legislative instrument on axle load was before Parliament to effectively control overloading, which reduces the life span of roads and causes accidents. Meanwhile the GSC is in the process of strengthening its mandate and is reportedly lobbying for haulage to be transferred in containers only. The commission is also in the process of translating road signs into Ghanaian languages for the benefit of drivers who cannot read English. As from 13/07/09 in order to check overloading of trucks from Tema port the axle weight is be checked before trucks exit the port. The ports four weigh bridges have been repaired in order to cater for this move. [GNA 12/07/09]

World Bank Loan US$225 Million For Transport Sector Development Programme - 06/07/09
The World Bank announced that it had approved a concessionary loan of US$1.2 billion to Ghana, of which US$535 million is ready for disbursement this year. Out of the US$535 million, US$225 million is going to finance the transport sector development programme. This includes the construction of the Tarkwa-Ayamfuri road in Western region and construction of the Burma Camp road. [TC 06/07/09]

Ghana to Decongest Tema, Takoradi Ports - 01/07/09
6,000 Containers to be Auctioned / Curfew Imposed On Container Movements. The Revenue Agencies Governing Board [RAGB] is to begin an exercise to decongest the country's seaports with the expected auctioning of 6,000 overtime containers at both Tema and the Takoradi ports. According to RAGB the containers are to be autioned before the end of the year to ensure speedy clearance of goods. A committee will be formed to undertake the exercise. The board has also directed that no container can leave Tema or Takoradi port between 6pm and 6am. This directive was issued last week and came into immidiate effect last night. The move is to block any leakage of containers at the ports. [Local reports note some overtime containers are smuggled out of the port]. According to our local agent this move is causing disruption to port operations and that the directive has also been extended to cover export containers not being allowed to enter the port at night.

Terminal Productivity Improves / Congestion Eases - 07/05/09
This month has seen an improvement in productivity and lack of congestion at the MPS terminal in Tema. Since the end of the congestion of January, average anchorage waiting is now very low at around 7 hours compared with 2 days. 90% of the ships have berthed within 24hrs of their arrival at MPS. Port productivity is running at 34 moves per hour [m/h] in berth productivity for the three last month and a very good STS cranes gross productivity of almost 19 m/h. On the whole all the main indicators are improving. [MPS 07/05/09]

Shippers’ Council Working To Cut Down Cost Of Doing Business - 04/05/09
The Ghana Shippers’ Council [GSC www.ghanashipperscouncil.org] is working at cutting the cost of doing business within the West Africa sub-region. The Chief Executive Officer of the GSC, Kofi Mbeah said the
council is working in collaboration with NEPAD [www.nepad.org], its Foreign Affairs Departments, and other Shippers’ Councils to cut down the cost of moving goods across the West Africa corridor. In 2007 over one million tons of goods were transported within the region.

As part of the GSC’s efforts at enhancing the movement of goods through the corridor, it organized a forum to educate haulage drivers on safe driving to minimize accidents on the roads. The issue of axle load limits was also discussed, and drivers were advised to adhere to the requirements and load limits to avoid inconveniences in other countries. [GBN 04/05/09]

Ghana Holds Workshop On Electronic Goods Clearance - 13/05/09
A 5-day workshop, put together by the Ghana Maritime Authority [GMA www.ghanamaritime.org], in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation [IMO www.imo.org] has been held in Ghana. It was attended by representatives from Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana. The workshop was themed "Use of the Single Window Concept and Electronic Means for Clearance of Goods." It aims to establish procedures for the training of users of Electronic Data Interchange [EDI] and also encourage the full implementation of international conventions and treaties, including the ISPS Code, to reduce stowaway and drug incidents at the ports. The group further recommended that greater efforts be made to ensure the use of the seven FAL Forms, as standard documents for the national documentary requirements and procedures. [TC 13/05/09]

Ghana Government To Enforce Axle Load Regulation - 20/05/09
By the end of the month all axle loads must not exceed 11.5 tonnes per single axle, and 4 metres in height above the road surface. This measure was announced by the Minister for Roads and Highways Joe Gidisu following a government delegation to Niger, to intervene in the affairs of some stranded Ghanaian trucks at the Burkina Faso-Niger border. This move is in line with the Union Economique Monitaire L'Ouest African (UEMOA) Regulation 2005. The regulation states that ECOWAS member states should adopt common standards and procedures for control of the gauge, the weight, and the axle load of every vehicle. Steps will also be taken to restore the weighing scales installed at the Tema and Takordi ports to full operation, as soon as practicable. In the interim, the Ghana Highways Authority is to make available portable weighing bridges at the ports to regulate loading, as well as locating a weighing bridge at a strategic location in Offinso, in the Ashanti Region. This move will ensure that any truck plying Accra or Kumasi on the Accra-Paga corridor could be checked.

CEPS Stalls Destination Inspection Duties - 20/04/09
An initiative to enable the Customs, Excise and Preventative Service [CEPS] take over classification and valuation from Destination Inspection Companies [DIC’s] has been stalled. The initiative originally scheduled for 01/01/09 and expected to improve operational efficiency and inject revenue into state coffers has been delayed by 1 year as ordered by Joe Badoe-Ansah on 19/04/09. An eleventh hour turnaround which has left importers and clearing agents surprised. Trade and Industry Minister, Hannah Tetteh noted there were legal
implication involved regarding existing contracts.

The project had involved the installation of IT equipment to enable CEPS to manage electronic information including the production of Classification and Valuation Report. The project also involves the integration of the Ghana Customs Secure Management System [GCSDMS www.ghanacustomssdms.com] into the existing GCNet/GCMS. This was hoped to add value to the current system and offer a single portal for clearance of goods. In that regard CEPS had made huge investments to perform these functions including a new ICT office complex at North Ridge in Accra as well as mobilising some 70 staff for the project to electronically verify HS Codes, FOB values as well as fright and insurance values. These staff have now been disbursed and the office has been left empty. [DG 20/04/09]

400 Ghanaian Truck Drivers Detained In Niger - 27/03/09
Over 400 Ghanaian truck drivers detained in Niger have made appeals to government to come to their rescue. The drivers, together with their goods-laden trucks have been detained for the past 3-months for allegedly breaking road traffic regulations. The government of Niger has imposed penalties on truck loads of sugar, rice and building materials for allegedly overloading their trucks. The overloaded trucks, according to the Nigerien authorities were destroying their road networks. [Please view article in the Niger section: New
Truck Weight Legislation] [Joy 27/03/09]

Ghana: Timber Industry Linked To GCNet - 20/03/09
The Forestry Commission has linked the timber industry to the Ghana Community Network, GCNet www.ghanatradenet.com, to facilitate the clearing and forwarding of timber and wood products at the country’s sea ports. This will enable the Timber Industry Development Division [TIDD www.ghanatimber.org] of the Commission to access information on wood imports and exports, issue permit electronically and track the shipment of wood products. [GBC 20/03/09]

Regional Project of Transport and Transit Facilitation in West Africa [PRFTTAO] - March 2009
As part of the World Bank’s Regional Project of Transport and Transit Facilitation in West Africa [PRFTTAO], the computing systems of Ghana and Burkina Faso are to be interfaced. A recent mission was led by Jean Kabre, data processing manager and the Customs office of Burkina-Faso.

The PRFTTAO program is implemented by ECOWAS and the UEMOA. The PRFTTAO aims to improve access by Burkina Faso and Mali to Ghanaian ports, as well as improve port operations and facilitate the efficient movement of traffic along the Tema-Ouagadougou-Bamako transport corridor. The project will fund the following three components:

1. Corridor Road Infrastructure Improvement
2. Corridor Transport and Transit Facilitation Measures
3. Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation.

The total cost of the project is US$197.2 million.

Freight Forwarders Want One-Stop-Shop - To Clear Goods - 19/01/09
Freight forwarders have made a strong appeal to the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] to resume its core functions of the classification and valuation of goods without delay. Under the system, which was expected to come into operation in January 2009, CEPS would offer a one-stop-shop for the clearing of goods. CEPS would also be in a position to enhance the collection of revenue to the state. To date this proposed system is yet to be fully launched. The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders [GIFF] are optimistic that the situation which compelled importers and freight forwarders to deal with the Ministries of Trade and Finance, before clearing their goods, even with no guarantee of success, could all be eliminated by the proposed one-stop-shop facility by CEPS. GIFF also noted the proposed system would enable importers and clearing agents to clear their goods within 2-days, instead of the unbearably long days, which characterise the present system. GIFF stated that expectations were high, but to date we don't know what is
happening. Freight Forwarders expect the one stop facility to roll off immediately and are looking forward to the start of the new system.

CEPS has been carrying out live classification and valuation of goods, since late last year, in its new Valuation Complex building at Ridge in Accra. The Commissioner of CEPS had been quoted as saying "the service has made significant investments in the training of our officers. I can confidently say that we are ready to meet any challenges that may crop up, even during the transitional phase of the project." [TC 19/01/09]

Ghana opposition leader wins presidential election - 05/01/09
Ghana's opposition leader John Atta Mills was declared the winner of a closely fought presidential election run-off on Saturday. Mills, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), narrowly defeated Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), placing his party in power after 8-years. Mills won 50.23% in the run-off against 49.77% for Akufo-Addo. President John Kufuor steps down on Jan. 7 after serving the maximum 2-terms. International monitors say voting has been mostly peaceful. Ghana's political stability has attracted growing numbers of foreign investors as it prepares to produce oil in late 2010.

Ghana Lifts Its Ban On African Textile Imports - 19/12/08
Ghana’s Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has announced a temporary suspension of the restriction placed on the importation of African textile prints into the country. A statement signed by an assistant commissioner and head of public relations at CEPS, Ms Annie Anipa, stated importers were now free to import textiles through all customs ports, stations or other approved entry points in the country. It said the African textile prints referred to by the service were Real Super Wax Block prints, Super Real wax, Imitation Wax, Java Prints and Fancy prints made with designs and motifs for the African market. 

Ghana Port Plans Oil Services Hub After Crude Find - 07/12/08
Ghana plans to transform its second port of Takoradi into an oil services hub to meet demand when the country starts pumping offshore crude in two years' time. Ghana is also looking to double container handling capacity at the main port of Tema by building a new terminal as it cashes in on growing transhipment and transit demand from landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy plan to produce 120 000 barrels per day [bpd] of oil from a field off Ghana in late 2010 and output is expected to rise to around 250 000 bpd within two years. The project has revived exploration interest off Ghana. "With the coming of the oil, we've decided to concentrate on oil services in Takoradi," commneted Ben Owusu-Mensah, director-general of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA]. Takoradi currently handles bulk exports such as loose cocoa beans, manganese ore and bauxite, mined there by Rio Tinto. "We have started talking to people who are coming to do rig repairs, we are talking to people who want to come and build jetties and platforms for supply vessels. We are talking to people who even want to build new ports ... to handle the oil services," he noted.

The ports authority has already built a dry dock and slipway at Takoradi, but further development, as well as plans for a new container terminal at Tema would have to wait for a feasibility study due to be completed by March 2009. Ghana is already the world's second biggest cocoa grower and Africa's No. 2 gold miner, and the coming of oil has raised expectations for economic growth and increased international interest in the recent election of a new president.

Like other ports in the region, Tema has benefited from the 2002-03 civil war in neighbouring Ivory Coast, which displaced large volumes of freight headed for the landlocked Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. However total tonnage through Tema was nearly 8.4 million tonnes in 2007, down from a peak of over 9.2 million in 2005 and less than half the 21.3 million Ivory Coast's main port Abidjan handled in 2007. But Tema's container traffic has been growing fast, and container facilities intended to handle 400,000TEU handled 489,147TEU last year.

If given the go-ahead after the feasibility study due in March, a port extension with a new container terminal should double Tema's container volume. Owusu-Mensah said he expected Tema to retain much of the trade it had won from Abidjan, despite efforts to reunite Ivory Coast's rebel north and government south and hold elections. [RT 07/12/08]

GDLC Dock Workers Strike - 01/12/08
Dock labourers from the Union Workers of the Ghana Dock Labour Company Limited [GDLC] commenced strike action on 26/11/08 in Tema port over pay. According to them salaries had not been reviewed for 5 years. They have also decided to withdraw their membership from the Maritime & Dock Workers Union [MDWU] and have made demands to join the National Union of Harbour Employees [NUHE]. This has no effect on the operations and clearance of container ships but has an impact on bulk cargo vessels where physical labour is needed and could lead to some delay. [OTAL local agent 01/12/08]

Ghanaian Customs Sets Up Anti-Corruption Unit - 24/11/08
Ghana’s Customs, Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] has set up an anti-corruption and professional standards unit to deal with misconduct of its members of staff in the discharge of their duties. The unit, known as the Internal Affairs Unit, is expected to fairly, impartially and thoroughly investigate alleged misconduct of the staff with the view to making CEPS accountable. It is being established along the US Customs model, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with all customs-wide programmes and policies relating to corruption, misconduct or mismanagement and for executing internal security, integrity and management inspection programmes. However, the Internal Affairs Unit of CEPS has been attached to
the Investigations Department of the service, unlike the US unit, which is separate from the Investigations Department. [DG 24/11/08]

Ghana, EU Sign Pact On Western Railway Corridor - 27/11/08
Ghana and the European Union signed a Euro1.4-million agreement for feasibility studies on the Western Railway Corridor on 27/11/08. The project being carried out under the Mining Sector Support Programme [MSSP] is to enable government to obtain a clear picture of the investment potential and actions required to upgrade the Western Railway Line and the Port of Takoradi. The study will define all possible technical and financial scenarios for the rehabilitation of the line running from Takoradi port to Kumasi with branches to Nsuta and Awaso and the inland port of Boankra. The consultants will also provide strategic directions for a future ECOWAS railway line to Burkina Faso to enhance the movement of people within the West Africa subregion. The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei and Mr Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Ghana, signed the 1-year deal, which is to be undertaken by Bonifica, an Italian engineering company. The Minister noted the railway rehabilitation programme would be in addition to development of adjoining infrastructure like the ports, dry port, railway stations and road network within the existing framework of the Ghana National Transportation Policy. [GNA 27/11/08]

Court Throws Out GPHA Motion - 24/11/08
An Accra High Court has dismissed a motion filed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] to set aside a motion filed against it by the Ghana Association of Stevedoring Companies [GASCO], and 7-private stevedoring companies operating at the Tema Port. Justice Tanko explained that the issue of injury suffered by GASCO was a continuing one, which had not abated, and therefore GASCO was not statute barred in bringing such an action against the Authority. Tanko also noted that there was a time bar of up to 12 months to bring an action against the Authority. Based on this reasoning, the GPHA lost its case and the court set 26/11/08 for the hearing. [TC 24/11/08]

Major Rehabilitation Works Begin At Aflao Border - 21/11/08
A US$100-million face-lift has started at the Aflao border between Ghana and Togo. Work will span a year involving the reconstruction of the frontier road and rehabilitation of buildings. The road is part of the main artillery route known as theTrans-West African Coastal Road. Perennial flooding has always been an issue at the frontier and the works are hoped to retify this issue according to Emmanuel Impraim, Assistant Commissioner of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in charge of the Aflao Sector. Another building under construction is expected to be used as a scanning facility, ensuring efficiency and faster examination of goods.

Ghana Grants Box Handling Monopoly / GASCO Takes - 11/11/08
Legal Action Against GPHA The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] has given Meridian Port Services [MPS] exclusive rights to handle cargo from ships carrying 50 containers or more at the Port of Tema. Implementation due on the 15/10/08 has now been delayed until January due to an uproar from rival stevedores. Rival privately-owned Ghanaian stevedoring
companies have complained that if the GPHA were to implement its contract with MPS, their businesses would collapse because ships carrying fewer than 50 containers rarely call at the port. Click here to read more...

Germany to Revive Country's Railway Sector - 05/11/08
The German government's pledge to revive the Ghana railway system has gathered momentum, as a 2-man delegation from Germany recently arrived in Accra. Led by Dr. Otto Wiesheu, a member of the Deutsche Balm [German railway], the delegation is to conduct a feasibility and cost calculation on the Eastern rail lines. The move was in fulfillment of the German Chancellor, Angel Merkel's pledge to President Kufuour when he visited Germany recently, to encourage more investment flow into the country. The feasibility study will cover the Accra-Kumasi via Boankra inland port, Kumasi-Paga through Buipe, to connect the Volta lake, Achimota-Tema port, Tamale-Yendi to connect Sheini iron deposit, Bosusi-Kibi to connect the bauxite deposit at Kibi and branch lines linking the towns where other mineral deposits have been identified. [GC 05/11/08]

Tetteh Quarshie - Mallam Highway - 28/10/08
All is set for the award of the contract for the construction of the Tetteh Quarshie - Mallam Highway. This project is being financed with funds from the Millennium Challenge Account [MCA]. The highway is one of the many projects under the US$143 million transportation component of the US$547 million MCA funds. The component is aimed at reducing transportation costs related to agri-business at the national, sub-regional and international levels. [DG 28/10/08]

Accra - Kumasi Dual Carriage Way - 20/10/08
Work has begun on the Nsawam- Apedwa Road network. This network forms part of the Accra - Kumasi dual carriage way road project. The project covers over 32km and it is expected to be completed in 39 months at a cost of about US$157 million. The Accra-Kumasi dual carriage is meant to improve the flow of trade and people between the two major cities in Ghana. In another development, the Fumesua-Duampompo section of Kumasi – Accra highway is being developed into a dual carriage way. The dualisation of the 24km road will see the conversion of the existing corridor into a dual carriage way from the Kumasi end to Duampompo and beyond. The project is expected to be completed by October 2010. Both projects are being financed by the Government of Ghana. [DG 16/10/08& 20/10/08]

CEPS Opens New Valuation Office - 17/10/08
The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Prof George Gyan-Baffour has commissioned a new building for Customs, Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] to enhance their core operations in classification and valuation of goods in Ghana. It is hoped that centralisation of CEPS would enable the service to take over functions from the Destination Inspection Companies in 2009. The Minister also observed that the GCNet /GCSMS communication system would be integrated into the Ghana Customs Secure Document Management System, which would provide importers with an enhanced single window for clearing their goods at the ports.

To achieve this, CEPS has engaged the services of Bankswitch Ghana Limited, GET FZE, and the British Company Intertek. A core group of almost 50 CEPS Officers have had hands-on training on the new system over the last 6-months. Currently, officers are performing valuations and classifications on live data being submitted by selected clearing agents as part of the test runs on the system. [GC 17/10/08]

Tension Mounts At Tema Port Over Contract With Meridian Port Services - 10/10/08
Tension is mounting at Tema Port over the intention of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] to implement its contract with management of Meridian Port Services* [MPS] to handle all vessels containing > 50 containers from 15/10/08. The management of 8-indigenous stevedoring companies** have said implementation of the contract would collapse their businesses since vessels containing less than 50 containers rarely berth at the port. Over 3,000 jobs are at stake and protests have been registered. Madam Josephine Nkrumah, Executive Secretary of Ghana Association of Stevedoring Companies [GASCO] appealed to management of GPHA to suspend implementation of the contract until a reply to a petition submitted to the Office of the President in August this year, had been received. She noted that GPHA had refused to consider their plea. However Ben Owusu Mensah, Director General of GPHA, has denied such claims noting that the implementation of the contract had been postponed to January 2009.

This will allow enable the GPHA to build an additional container terminal noting that Tema port now receives some 500,000 TEU. Mensah gave the assurance that the GPHA would renew licences of stevedoring companies in January 2009, as a normal practice adding, “nobody would throw them out of business.” [GC / GNA 10/10/08]

* MPS is a private company owned by GPHA [30%] and a consortium managed by Maersk and Bolloré [70%].
** The eight companies are members of Ghana Association of Stevedoring Companies [GASCO] namely: Dash Wood Stevedore Company, Golden Gates Services, Atlantic Port Services, Speedline Stevedoring, Fountain View Services, Odart Stevedoring, Gemini Stevedoring and Advance Stevedoring Company.

Ghana, Nigeria To Boost Trade - 08/10/08
Ghana and Nigeria have taken a giant step towards the consolidation of intra-African trade relations with the opening of the second 3-day Ghana-Nigeria Business Summit by President Kufuor in Accra. The summit prepared the ground for the establishment of a Ghana-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce to formalise trade relations between the two West African economic giants. Although Ghana and Nigeria have been trading for the past 50 years, there is no formal trade agreement between the two countries, an anomaly which the intended chamber is to address. The volume of trade between Ghana and Nigeria is said to have increased from US$64 million in 2000 to US$2.6 billion in 2006, with the balance of trade skewed in favour of Nigeria. Economic analysts have projected that trade between the two countries has the potential of doubling in the near future.

Collective economic output of Ghana and Nigeria constituted 70% of West Africa’s total output and, therefore, the two countries could provide the leadership for sub-regional integration. [GNA 08/10/08]

Tema Port To Expand Container Facilities - 15/09/08
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] is investing US$500 million to improve the container handling capacity of the Tema Harbour. Feasibility studies for the programme are at the advanced stage of completion. The project will not only create jobs and improve revenue generation but also enhance the country’s status as the gateway to the sub-region in terms of port services. The Director-General of the GPHA, Ben Owusu-Mensah explained that currently the port was operating at its optimum capacity of 500,000 TEU per annum. In the past, the port faced problems of congestion but with the construction of the Golden Jubilee Terminal, container handling capacity had improved tremendously from 166,963 in 2000 to 489,147 in 2008.

Owusu-Mensah also noted with recent oil finds Takoradi Port will be expanded to handle oil services. He noted that the GPHA had received many demands from oil companies for operational space and added that their requests were being considered. [DG 15/10/08]

CEPS to Take Over Classification and Valuation Functions - 03/09/08
Effective 01/01/09 the Ghana Customs Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS www.ghanacustoms.gov.gh] will take over the functions of classification and valuation which is currently performed by local Destination Inspection Companies [DICs]. CEPS in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Revenue Agencies Governing Board [RAGB], have already started work on the implementation of this project. The new system will enable the management of electronic information in order to verify HS Codes, FOB values,
freight and insurance values. All data will be integrated into the Ghana Customs Secure Document Management System [GCSDMS] and the existing GCNet/GCMS [www.ghanatradenet.com]. This scheme aims to provide importers with a single window for clearing their goods from Ghana's ports. Under this new initiative, manifests will be received, processed and amended through the GCSDMS. Submission of trade and supporting documents needed for valuation will also be handled through the same system which would then be declared by the three bodies. [GC 03/09/08]

Germany Offers To Modernise Ghana's Railways System - 29/08/08
Following a 2-day state visit by President Kufuor to Germany, the German Railways Authority has expressed interest in assisting Ghana improve and modernise its railway system offering technical expertise and funding. Chancellor Angela Merkel also pledged to encourage more investment flow from her country to Ghana. The Ghanaian Government wants to see its two main maritime ports of Tema and Takoradi and the Boankra In-land Port linked with reliable and efficient railways system that would also be extended to the northern parts of the country and connected with the neighbouring landlocked countries. A team of German experts have already conducted a feasibility study and undertake a cost calculation exercise. [GNA 29/08/08]

CEPS Integration Of IDF Into GCNET/GCMS - 14/08/08
The Customs Excise and Preventative Service [CEPS], in consultation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry PSD/PSI [MOTI] have announced that a pilot project for the submission of Electronic IDF has started at Elubo. Importers will be required to submit the relevant information to their Customs House Agents or Declarants who will capture the information at their Front End System [FES] and submit to GCNet. Upon validation, the completed IDF will be electronically submitted to GCMS and all concerned agencies including destination inspection agencies. The exisiting IDF will therefore be replaced by a computer generated version. The current fee of GHc5.00 will be paid to MOTI through the CEPS/GCNet participating banks at the time of payment of Custom duties and taxes. For more information contact Ghana 021 677001 / 0287104019. [CEPS 14/08/08]

New Government Commodity Portal - August 08
The Ghana Government has set up a portal to assist exporters and importers of commodities in the technical details of their shipments: www.sps-tbt-ghana.org

GSC Launch Toll Free Line - August 08
The Ghana Shippers’ Council [GSC] has installed a toll free line. Importers and exporters who are encountering problems such as loss or damage to cargo, short landing of cargo, late arrival of shipping documents, payment of illegal or dubious charges should contact the GSC on 0800 30005.

Urban Roads Dept Gets US$95 Million For Urban Transport Project - August 08
The Department of Urban Roads has received US$95 million from various stakeholders to embark on a comprehensive Urban Transport Project [UTP] to regulate and reduce traffic congestion on selected roads in Accra and Kumasi. It is jointly being funded by the government of Ghana with a contribution of US$13 million, the International Development Agency [IDA] of the World Bank with $45 million, the Agence Francaise de eveloppement [AFD] with U D S$30 million and the Global Environmental Fund with US$7 million.

The project, which is to be undertaken on a pilot basis, comprises five major components including institutional development, traffic engineering, management and safety, development of a rapid bus transit system, [RPD] and integration of urban development and transport planning as well as project outcome monitoring. The two selected capitals are Accra, which also includes Tema, Ga East, South and West districts referred to as the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area [GAMA] and Kumasi, including Ejisu.

New Plans For Ghana's Ports - 15/07/08
A study into the Ghanaian ports of Takoradi and Tema, part funded by the United States government, has concluded that a smaller number of upgraded berths in both ports is preferable to more but less ample berths with inadequate equipment. The study is aimed at improving and expanding port facilities for both domestic traders and customers in the landlocked states of Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, who have been attracted to use the ports because of the impact of civil conflict in their traditional transit port of Abidjan in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire.

The report concluded that an upgraded Takoradi will require two dedicated container berths, one breakbulk berth and another for liquid fuels, plus harbour dredging and new cargo handling equipment. The shopping list for the country’s biggest port, Tema, should include 8 ship-to-shore container gantry cranes and improved warehousing facilities. Aside from its container terminal, Tema handles bauxite imports for Volta Aluminium Company [Valco], but container and bulk traffic are restricted by the depth alongside, which ranges between 8m and 11.5m. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA], which manages both ports, is expected to focus on dredging work in the short term.

Takoradi, which also handles manganese and bauxite, already has 100 reefer points but more could be commercially viable given the country’s growing agricultural sector. The US has also provided US$143M to fund Ghanaian transport projects under its Millennium Challenge Account. Much of the money has been used to upgrade the road between Tema and the capital, Accra.

Axle Load Devices Introduced - 14/07/08
The Ghana Highway Authority has introduced Axle Load devices on the country’s busy Adomi Bridge to check the weight of vehicles as part of safety measures to reduce pressure on the bridge. Adomi Bridge is one of the nations busiest bridge linking the Eastern parts of the country to the Capital City. In the past month, concern has been raised about some deteriorating joints in the bridge. [DG 14/07/08]

Transport And Transit Facilitation Project to Commence - 09/07/08
The Ghana government and the International Development Association [IDA] have established a financing agreement for ¢49,100,000 special drawing rights. The sum is to for the implementation of Ghana's component of the West Africa Transport and Transit Facilitation Project. As part of the project, four rest stops would be constructed for transit trucks at CEPS intervening stations at Savelugu, Sakam, Kintampo, and another one to be cited between Kumasi and Nsawam. The Paga border post and Paga lorry station would also be enlarged to sustain the increasing volume of trucks that ply the border area.

The project includes the rehabilitation or strengthening of the103 kms Buipe-Tamale Road. onstruction of four major rest stops along the Tema-Paga Road corridor, procurement of ICT equipment to fully equip two transit check points, provide rest stop points and the construction of satellite transit truck village, along the port of Tema. he committee also observed that factors such as weak transport service providers, poor interconnectivity, custom systems and poor road infrastructure have worked to make the main transport corridors very expensive to use. It said they also continue to hinder efficient movement of transit trucks along the corridors and contributed to delays and increased cost of transit operations. [GC 09/07/08]

Infrastructure development to support growth - 15/07/08
The year 2007 marked Ghana’s seventh consecutive year of accelerating real GDP growth and the fourth straight year of growth of 5% or better. Please click here to read Standard Banks mid year gauge.

Chamber Of Commerce For Ghana, Nigeria - 08/07/08
Ghana and Nigeria are to establish a chamber of commerce to serve the business interests of the two countries. The High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Senator Muhammed Musiliu Obanikoro, said discussions had reached an advanced stage and that two launch events would unveil the new Ghana-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce. [DG 08/07/08]

Ghana Looks To Open Up Northern Sector: Focus On Rail Sector - 08/07/08
Two concessions are under negotiation for privately-funded extensions to open up the north of the country, but Ghana Railways Corp is struggling to operate its residual freight and passenger services. Refurbishment of the Accra - Tema line reflects a welcome government commitment to restore the network to good order. Click here to read on...

Ghana Gets US$80 To Support West African Road Works - 24/06/08
Ghana is to receive US$80 million out of US$190 million from the World Bank as funding for its part of the West Africa Transport and Transit Facilitation Project. Burkina Faso will receive US$70 million while the remaining US$40 million will go to Mali. The three country project, supports NEPAD’s transport agenda of trade corridors without borders and barriers which aims to facilitate trade and promote economic integration in the sub region. A statement from the World Bank said the project will improve access by Burkina Faso and Mali to Ghanaian ports, as well as improve port operations and facilitate the efficient movement of traffic along the Tema-Ouagadougou-Bamako road transport corridor.

The World Bank task team leader, Fabio Galli, said the project recognizes the need for regional approaches in a part of Africa where landlocked economies are disadvantaged by costly and unreliable transport, transit and trade processes. The corridor road infrastructure improvement component of the project will improve the road corridor to carry inter and intra-country traffic by rehabilitating and strengthening key road sections, constructing rest stop areas, implementing social and environmental mitigation measures for the civil works, implementing a corridor specific HIV/AIDS action plan, as well as designing and implementing a corridor-specific road safety action. [GBC 24/06/08]

Ghana Reduces Police Stops/Bribery - 01/06/2008
The Ghana Police Service has reduced the number of checkpoints on primary trade routes. The reductions should speed up the movement of people and goods and reduce the incidence of bribery. The police service was following through on a commitment it made at a meeting organized by the Improved Road Transport Governance [IRTG] initiative in February. The initiative was launched by the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS], l’Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest-Africaine [UEMOA], and the West Africa Trade Hub to analyze bribery and delays along major trade routes and widely share its findings in reports. Fewer check points will reduce the costs for moving goods to market. In turn, the lower costs encourage economic development and help keep prices in check for consumers. Kwesi Ofori, director of public affairs for the Ghana Police Service announced a review of police checkpoints and an immediate reduction of fixed checkpoints. A survey of checkpoints by the initiative’s Ghana focal point team confirmed the reductions. As recently as April 2, Ghanaian police operated 14 fixed barriers on the corridor from Tema in the south to Paga at the border with Burkina Faso; now, it has four. And the focal point team counted 19 mobile checkpoints as recently as April 2; but eight were counted during the most recent survey.

The next complete report of the Improved Road Transport Governance component of the West Africa Trade Hub will be released by July. Checkpoints operated by customs agents continue to slow traffic and add expenses. At each customs stop, truckers said they are paying at least $1 to bribe customs agents. Truckers have noticed the changes in Ghana. On a trip from Bamako, Mali, to Tema, Ghana, one trucker said he had to stop fewer times – and did not pay bribes to any police officers. The reductions should lead to a decrease in the time spent on delivering goods and the money spent on paying bribes – and consequently lower costs of goods for consumers. The reductions should speed up delivery times. In Ghana, there are an average 1.5 stops each 100km operated by police and customs agents between Tema and Paga. These stops add as many as three hours to a trip from Tema to Paga and an average of $27 in bribes. IRTG staff will continue to review the situation along the primary trade routes because barriers along the routes often reappear after some time. None of the other three countries that are part of the Improved Road Transport Governance initiative – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo – have recently made reductions in the number of stops along major routes. [WATH June 2008 - 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]

Fencing For Tema Port - 12/06/08
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has invited proposals from contractors for the supply and installation of Stainless Steel Concertina to fence the inner perimeter walls of the Tema port. [Local Agent 12/06/08]

Feasibility Study For Ghana Ports - 12/06/08
A feasibility study to provide a master plan for the development and expansion of the country’s two major ports in Tema and Takoradi has taken off. The study is being funded by the United States Trade and Development Agency at a cost of almost US$700,000. The study will specifically analyse the development of container facilities for the Tema Port and the development of a concession at the Takoradi Port. The plan when developed will see the development of four berths, eight gantry cranes, cargo handling equipment, dredging and improved cargo storage facilities at the Tema Port, while the Takoradi port will have approximately two container berths, one oil berth, one multi-purpose berth, cargo handling equipment and dredging. [Local Agent 12/06/08]

World Bank Lauds Ghana Government’s FZE - 18/06/08
The World Bank is pleased with the level of development that has taken place in Ghana after inspecting development projects undertaken by the Ghana Gateway Project which supports promotion of trade and investments in the country. This included a 3km road with two bridges currently under construction at Tema port as well as manufacturing industries inside the Free Zones Enclave [FZE] or Multi-Purpose Industrial Park [MPIP].

The Gateway Project is an initiative by the Government of Ghana to develop an industrial estate close to the Tema port to provide convenient environment for manufacturing Industries listed under the FZE. It is also meant to attract Foreign Direct Investment [FDI] and to reduce the cost of doing business in the country. Thirty-five manufacturing companies are currently operating under the MPIP with an additional fifty-five manufacturing companies expected to start operations soon. About US$15million has been spent so far on the project. Part of the money has been used in supporting the Customs, Excise and Preventive Services [CEPS] in setting up the Ghana Community Network [GCNet] project. Part has also been invested in infrastructural development at the port to provide convenient services for the public in the clearance of goods.

Ghana is also looking to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development [IBRD] to secure funds for the development of similar industrial estates in other parts of the country to spread development. Currently 80% of major manufacturing industries are located in the Accra-Tema area. The development of Industrial estates in Takoradi and Kumasi, the Boankra Inland port and the modernisation and expansion of the railway system is hoped to optimise the benefits to be derived from the Gateway Project. [GC 18/06/08]

New Guidelines For Electrical Imports - 25/05/08
The Environmental Protection Agency is developing the guidelines to regulate the importation of used electronic gadgets into the country. The guidelines are expected to prevent the dumping of such gadgets which could be harmful to the public. In recent times, Ghana has been a dumping ground for electronic wastes which is fast becoming a health hazard. [DG 25/5/08]

Trade Group to Adopt Ghana’s High-Tech Cargo Transit System - 23/05/08
Following Ghana's lead, the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] is to adopt an Internetbased tracking and mapping technology to promote and enhance trade within the African sub-region. Ghana's Customs, Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] is currently using the I-Transit technology, which allows officials to monitor cargo in transit along designated routes to neighbouring landlocked countries. The technology allows CEPS and its partner, Ghana Community Network Services Limited [GCNET], to monitor the cargo's movement via satellite and the Internet after a tracking unit is placed on top of the cargo. The tracking unit allows officials to trace each truck's location to countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali and Niger without paying duty.

Ghana is the only country in Sub-Saharan African using an integrated system. Other nations in the region depend on manual systems. CEPS Assistant Commissioner Angelina Bainiah said Ghana's previous manual system was costly to manage and required more paper work and bureaucratic procedures, leading to revenue loss and economic distortions in actual import quantities and paper bonds. Importers would outwit customs officials by designating goods for transit purposes but divert and sell their wares on the local market. The I-Transit system is integrated, incorporating a sub-consignment, transit vehicle and foreign importer registration, route and check point definition, e-bonding, on-line check points and data exchange with destination customs officials. The system also entails the use of IP [Internet Protocol] camera footage at the entry and exit points and relayed via GCNET to the control room of CEPS. In total, the units cost US$1.5 million to develop.

When a truck or vehicle is in transit, it is monitored by four GPS [Global Positioning System] satellites fixed at different positions. Data is transmitted through an Immarsat communications satellite to an Earth station in the UK. The images are then transmitted to a tracking server via Internet to the GCNET tracking portal. For now, Ghanaian customs officials can exchange information with Cote D'Ivoire, which also uses an IT based system. [PC World 23/05/08]

Certification Body Get ISO 17025 Accreditation - 13/05/08
Ghana’s major certification body, the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research has received ISO 17025 accreditation. This is good news to importers and exporters of food commodities and IMDG goods. [Local agent 13/05/08]

Enhancement Of Gcnet/GCMS Transit Module - 01/04/08
The Customs Excise and Preventive Service announces for the information of the general public that the GCNet/GCMS transit module has been enhanced to ensure a more effective management of bulk consignments and control of vehicles which leave the transit holding area en route to the exit points.

Processing of bulk transit consignments
Transitors of bulk consignments can now remove cargo from the main port for processing at the transit holding area in batches. This is to ensure that status of all sub-consignments is effectively updated at the transit holding area and subsequently on arrival at the exit point.

Requirement to obtain gate pass before leaving transit holding area
Drivers/Transitors would be required to obtain a computer generated gate pass from customs before vehicles are allowed to leave the transit holding area. This is to ensure that all requisite processes have been duly completed.

Transit bond period and journey time
The transit bond period will now be equivalent to the journey time and would commence from the time consignments are secured at the transit holding area en route to the exit points instead of the current practice where it commences at the time the bond is issued at Compliance.

Processing of more than one sub-consignment loaded onto a single truck
It is mandatory for Declarants to submit together for processing all documents covering different subconsignments which are loaded onto the same truck. This is to ensure that the status of all the subconsignments is duly updated and transactions closed when the vehicle arrives at the exit point.

The effective date for commencement of the enhanced module is 1st May 2008. Transitors, Importers and Declarants are advised to follow correct procedures to avoid undue delays. [CEPS April 2008]

New Master Plan For Ghana Ports - 13/05/08
A feasibility study to provide a master plan for the development and expansion of the country’s two major ports in Tema and Takoradi has taken off. The study is being funded by the United States Trade and Development Agency at a cost of almost US$700,000. The study will specifically analyse the development of container facilities for the Tema Port and the development of a concession at the Takoradi Port. The plan when developed will see the development of four berths, eight gantry cranes, cargo handling equipment, dredging and improved cargo storage facilities at the Tema Port, while the Takoradi port will have approximately two container berths, one oil berth, one multi-purpose berth, cargo handling equipment and dredging. [Local agent 13/05/08]

Tema Port Fencing - 13/05/08
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has invited proposals from contractors for the supply and installation of Stainless Steel Concertina to fence the inner perimeter walls of the Tema port. [Local agent 13/05/08]

ADB Announce US$24 Million To Ghana - 22/03/08
The African Development Bank [ADB] has announced a US$24 million credit fund to Ghana to be used to boost export goods and build the capabilities of producer unions. The fund will also execute medium and smaller companies' letters of credit and to bring about a working mechanism with partner banks. The bank indicated that the funds will help increase exports by US$339 million with beneficiaries as companies engaging in nontraditional exports. [Mathaba 22/03/08]

Integration Of IDF Forms Into GCNet/GCMS - 05/03/08
The Customs Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS], in consultation with the Ministry of Trade & Industry PSD/PSI [MOTI] has announced that processing of import declaration forms [IDF] will be integrated into the GCNet/GCMS system. Importers will be required to submit the relevant information to their Customs House Agents or Declarants who will capture information at their Front End System [FES] and submit to GCNet. Upon validation, the completed IDF will be electronically submitted to GCMS and all concerned Agencies including Destination Inspection Companies. The existing IDF will therefore be replaced by a computer generated version. The current fee of GHc5.00 will be paid to MOTI through the CEPS/GCNet participating banks at the time of payment of Customs duties and taxes. A pilot project is to start at KIA on 03/03/08 with other areas announced in due course. For further information please visit www.ghanacustoms.gov.gh or www.ghanatradenet.com or contact Ghana 021 677001 / 0287104019 [CEPS 05/03/08]

Truck Drivers Undermine Port Decongestive Exercise - 04/03/08
Despite warnings and monetary fines instituted by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] in its bid to decongest the port, loaded vehicles persistently spend the night at the Tema Port sometimes reaching levels of 200 plus. As part of several initiatives to improve the performance and efficiency of the port, the GPHA has developed a transit truck park to cater for trucks waiting to be processed. The park has, however, remained underutilised, while the port remains congested with loaded trucks waiting to process their documents. Discussions are ongoing with the Customs Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] and the various freight forwarding associations to find permanent solutions to the problem of congestion and also the loading of trucks beyond the legal weight and height limits. The Director-General of the GPHA, Ben Owusu-Mensah stated the GPHA was relocating some port activities to the western area and is also to transform the access road into a four lane dual carriageway complete with a flyover. Tema Port: Equipment Availability Availability of equipment is one area customers were not satisfied. However the GPHA has now decided to contract out the equipment maintenance management in order to improve performance. The Director-General of the GPHA, Ben Owusu-Mensah, said the equipment stock of the Golden Jubilee Terminal and the port operations department of the authority had all been beefed up in recent months to cope with demand. [DG 04/03/08]

Integration Of IDF Forms Into GCNet/GCMS - 05/03/08
The Customs Excise and Preventive Service, in consultation with the Ministry of Trade & Industry PSD/PSI [MOTI] has announced that processing of import declaration forms [IDF] will be integrated into the GCNet/GCMS system. Importers will be required to submit the relevant information to their Customs House Agents or Declarants who will capture information at their Front End System [FES] and submit to GCNet. Upon validation, the completed IDF will be electronically submitted to GCMS and all concerned Agencies including Destination Inspection Companies. The existing IDF will therefore be replaced by a computer generated version. The current fee of GHc5.00 will be paid to MOTI through the CEPS/GCNet participating banks at the time of payment of Customs duties and taxes. A pilot project is to start at KIA on 03/03/08 with other areas announced in due course. For further information please visit the CEPS website [www.gcnet.com.gh] or contact Ghana tel: 021 677001 / 0287104019.

Gateway Project Nears Completion - 29/02/08
85% of the work on the Ghana Gateway Project launched by President Kufuor in 2004, has now been completed. The Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA], Brian Adomako, explained that at completion the authority will have put in place strategic structures which would ensure quick dispatch of cargo and vessels through the port of Tema which would ultimately attract more cargo, transit and trans-shipment through the port. Meanwhile the Minister of Ports and Harbours said there was a need for maritime authorities to recognize that competition between transport modes had the tendency to produce a system that was segmented and unintegrated. He therefore called for the integration of the transport modes and a single document issued for transactions in order to reduce the overall cost of transportation. While urging freight forwarders to form partnerships with shipping companies, he advised shippers to establish logistic platforms in their countries and intraregional organisations to promote intermodalism. The Minister also noted that Customs authorities in the sub-region had begun implementing the Advanced Cargo Identification System [ACIS] to track freight through their corridors. With the ACIS in place, shipping companies, shippers and freight forwarders could use intermodalism to reduce multiple handling of freight cargo and reduce cost of transportation on the continent. [Modern Ghana 29/02/08]

Ghana Joins Rush To Secure EU Trade - 13/12/07
Ghana has signed an interim trade deal with the European Union on 13/12/07, joining a rush among poor countries to safeguard exports to the world's biggest trading bloc after preferential terms expire at the end of the year. 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. The deal also abolished quotas on Ghana's banana and tuna exports, meaning the country could ship as much of those products to the EU as it could sell. [Reuters 13/12/07]

Ghana Focuses On Non Traditional Exports - 15/11/07
Ghana last year exported non-traditional exports [NTE’s] to the tune of US$893 million, representing a 14.8% growth over the 2005 figure of $778 million. The target of US$1 billion is however yet to be achieved. According to figures from the Ghana Export Promotion Council [GEPC], emerging economies accounted for 11.90% of the country’s exports of NTEs, while other developed countries outside the EU also accounted for 11.07% and other African countries constituted only 2.82 %. 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 - 30/11/07
Ghana has banned the overland transit of cocoa and cocoa waste from neighbouring states across its territory to stop this being used as a cover for smuggling Ghanaian beans out of the country. Stephen Ntim, deputy chief executive of industry regulator Cocobod, stated some foreign cocoa merchants who obtained customs permits to transport cocoa from the Ivory Coast through Ghana to Togo were found to have been smuggling beans produced in Ghana's high-yielding Western cocoa region. 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 - 12/12/07
GCNet and CEPS have announced that a new module covering Temporary Vehicle Import (TVI) operations at land borders will go live in Elubo, Aflao and Paga on 02/01/08. The TVI Module will replace the existing manual system based around the C59 form. 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]

Import Declaration Form Responsibilities - 12/12/07
The Ghana Standard Board wishes to remind importers that some importers do not meet the requirements stated under the general conditions of the Import Declaration Form and the LI 1541. Part D of the conditions state: “It is the responsibility of the importer to declare all relevant standards applicable to goods covered on this IDF and to advise his supplier of the same”. In this regard, importers are strongly advised too procure copies of the relevant standards of their imported goods and inform their suppliers accordingly. Information can be obtained from the National Enquiry Point [NEP] Ghana Standards Board. 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 - 12/12/07
The minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi has announced that his Ministry would next year take delivery of five new vessels from the US government. The Minister disclosed this at the inauguration of a new marine block at the Tema Port, constructed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) at the cost of ¢9 billion to house all marine staff.

GPHA To Rehabilitate Tema Transit Shed 7 - 12/12/07
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] intends to rehabilitate transit shed no 7 at Tema port and has invited sealed tenders from eligible contractors.

Pilot Electronic Permit Scheme Successful - 29/11/07
The pilot project for the issuance of electronic permits from the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] has been successfully completed. As such no manual permits will now be issued. Effective 01/12/07 all importers and agents should apply for clearance permits through the Ghana Community Network Services [Gcnet] system: www.ghanatradenet.com. 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 - 24/11/07
GCNet and Kasapa have changed phone lines used by the GCNet Call Centre [24/11/07]. The new call centre telephone numbers are:

[+233} 287 104020 / [+233} 287 104021
[+233} 287 104022 / [+233} 287 104023
[+233} 287 104024 / [+233} 287 104025
[+233} 287 104026 / [+233} 287 104028
[+233} 287 104029

Ghana Cocoa Board Invests In New Cocoa Warehousing - 22/10/07
The Ghana Cocoa Board has secured a medium-term facility of US$150 million, part of which would be used to expand and build new warehousing facility at Takoradi and Tema to avoid congestion at the take-over centres. A new 50 000-tonne capacity warehousing complex at Tema is now in use while conveyor belts are being installed at the new warehouses to facilitate operations. In addition, the board is renting parking lots in Takoradi and Tema, where vehicles carrying cocoa would await their turn to be off-loaded at the take-over centres on the basis of time of arrival to ease congestion at the centres. [Buanews 22/10/07]

Cargo Levels Hit New Highs - 19/10/07
Estimates put cargo coming in and going out of Tema and Takoradi ports in 2006 at an all-time high of 13.4 million tons, up from 4.9 million tons recorded a decade earlier. [PA 19/10/07]

CEPS Instructed to Retrieve Rescheduled Duties Importers - 24/10/07
Parliament has urged the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to ensure that importers pay rescheduled import duties. The committee directed CEPS to retrieve monies and surcharge organisations that had defaulted despite being reminded by CEPS. Upon applications to CEPS, payments were rescheduled for periods ranging between two and six months but CEPS failed to sanction them and more than 250 million Ghana cedis remained outstanding. [AM 24/10/07]

Exporters Want Access To China - 22/10/07
Exporters who attended the 2nd 2007 Exporters’ Forum organized by the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) in Accra observed that access to China’s market has become more complicated due to freight problems in Ghana. Exporters have called on the government and GEPC to improve existing relations with China in order to access their market. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, PSI and PSD Gifty Ohene-Konadu observed that there are a lot of challenges that need to be addressed, adding that consultations are on going with various stakeholders to fine tune the Ghana Trade Policy Document that will become the blueprint for an accelerated development of the trade sector. [DE 22/10/07]

Alternatives To EPAs If Not Signed? - 22/10/07
As there is strong likelihood that the economic partnership agreements will not be signed at the set date of 31st December, 2007 because of the delay recorded in the ratification process, several alternatives have been suggested by governments, civil society and the European Union [EU]. As a result, the concern of African countries engaged in the negotiations is to see the EU adopt transitional measures that make it possible to ensure the access of products exported from Africa on its market after the deadline. Click here to read on...

Ghana, Niger Shippers’ Councils Sign Pact - 08/10/07
In an effort to increase the transit trade through Ghana’s corridor, the Ghana Shippers’ Council [GSC] has renewed a MoU with its counterpart, the Niger Shippers’ Council. The MoU, signed in Niamey on 04/09/07, is a revised version of an earlier agreement signed between the two councils in May 2000. A similar agreement was also reached with the Burkina Faso Shippers’ Council on 03/07/07. 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 - 08/10/07
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has begun preliminary investigations into allegations of conflict of interest, insider dealing and corruption in the award and execution of a US$16.8 million GPHA contract. [Ghanaweb 08/10/07]

GMA Workshop On Port And Maritime Issues - 29/09/07
A five day workshop organized by the Ghana Maritime Authority [GMA] in conjunction with the IMO to equip governmental agencies on Port States Control [PSC] matters aimed at ensuring maritime safety. The workshops provided the Authority with a clear roadmap covering inspections, coordination and exchange of information for effective monitoring, and enforcement of provisions of PSC conventions. [GNA 29/09/07]

Ghana's 6.5% 2007 Growth Target Achievable - 27/09/07
Ghana's finance minister Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu has suggested an economic growth of 6.5% with inflation targeted at 7-9% by end-December 2007. Inflation currently stands at 10.5%. [Reuters 27/09/07]

German Investors Are Interested In Ghana - 05/10/07
The Ghanaian-German Economic Association [GGEA] has held its second trade fair in Accra. Founded in 1999, the GGEA offers covering market research, mediating first contacts for companies from both countries, providing information on rules, laws and procedures and recommending legal assistance. The association has launched three business guides so far on doing business in Ghana, in Germany and in the EU, providing valuable information and guidance for bilateral trade and investment. 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%]. 118 investments of German companies have been registered so far. 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 - 01/09/07
The Ghana - Burkina Faso railway extension project envisages a new single track rail line with a total length of 800km of which 625km will be in Ghana and 170km in Burkina Faso. The railway is expected to facilitate the smooth transportation of goods and people from Ghana to Burkina Faso. The government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency [CIDA], has provided funds for feasibility studies into the Ghana-Burkina Faso rail line rehabilitation and construction project. The feasibility studies will include the financial and technical viability of the project as well as its social and environmental impact. Project planners have forwarded a funding proposal to the African Development Bank. [MIGA 09/07]

Ghana Rail Privatization - 01/09/07
Ghana has embarked on a program of privatization of its railways to improve service and efficiency. As part of the privatization efforts, the Ministry of Ports, Harbours and Railways will grant a concession to a private company for a period of 20-25 years through a Build, Operate and Transfer [BOT] arrangement. The BOT arrangement will leave the Government of Ghana with ultimate control of the railways, but operating responsibilities and delivery services will be transferred to the concessionaire, who will pay a fixed annual fee plus a percentage of the revenues. Recent meetings between government officials and foreign investors in March 2007 have resulted in Cabinet approval to start a dual carriage railway project in June. The first phase will cover Tema/Accra to Kumasi at an estimated cost of US$ 1.4 billion and it will take up to three years to construct. [MIGA 09/07]

Gamma Ray Scanner For Takoradi Port - 05/09/07
A new container scanning system has been commissioned at Takoradi Port. The Gamma-Ray Scanner, known as the “Nick TC-Scan” was installed by Nick TC-Scan Limited and is the second of its kind in Ghana. Tema Port also has a similar facility which was installed by the same company. 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 - 21/08/07
Promotion of employment in the maritime industry has been identified as a major step in achieving Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] by 2015. The Minister of Manpower and Employment, Nana Akomea stated the government has spent well over half a trillion cedis in engaging 105,000 youth in direct employment. This conclusion was made after the latest UNCTAD review of maritime transport revealed total world sea trade increased from 24.172 billion tonne miles in 2002 to 29.047 billion in 2005 with trade volumes also making an upsurge from 6.1bilion volume tonnes to 7.11billion. [GC 21/08/07]

Maritime Authority Notes Concerns of Freight Forwarders - 04/09/07
The Ghana Maritime Authority [GMA] in a press release has stated that it has noted the concerns of the Institute of Freight Forwarders GIFF and other stakeholders concerning Container Administrative Charges by shipping lines. It stated further that the issue has already come to the attention of the authority and the Ministry of Harbours and Railways. As a result, the ministry has requested the GMA to study the matter and recommend appropriate action to be taken. Consequently, the Authority has set up a Board Technical Committee to review all aspects of shipping charges, including the Container Administrative Charges and determine their propriety, as well as recommend the requisite remedial action to the Ministry. [GC 04/09/07]

Ghana Export Trade Information Centre - 04/09/07
The Ghana Export Trade Information system offers online trade information including export preparation and planning, trade events, market analysis, exporters directory with profiles, trade news and offers a virtual exhibition for export products at www.gepcghana.com.

Ghana Standards Board - 04/09/07
If you are interested in trade information in the area of Standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures the National Enquiry Point [NEP] for technical barriers to trade [TBT] at the Ghana Standards Board has information on all member countries of the world trade organisation [WTO] including:

• Standards
• Technical regulations/ trade regulations
• Conformity assessment procedures [Types of testing, testing fees, inspection procedures, certification, verification, accreditation, sampling, evaluation, registration]

GGEA German Trade Mission To Ghana - 04/09/07
A German trade mission is due to visit Ghana from 12-16th November 2007. The trade mission will be headed by a high ranking representative of the German Ministry for Economic Affairs. The mission will be based upon small & medium companies from Germany looking for business partners in Ghana.

GIFF Threaten Strike Over Container Satellite Tracking System - 12/09/07
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders [GIFF] Elubo District, has served notice to embark on an indefinite sit down strike if management of Customs Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] does not abolish the Satellite Tracking Unit system (STU) introduced by CEPS. [Please see OTAL’s August trade and transport report for details]. 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 - 12/09/07
The Ministry of Harbours and Railways has intensified its focus on infrastructural development. Initiatives outlined included the dredging of the ports of Tema and Takoradi, the completion of the Quay Two extension works, electronic data interchange, waste reception facilities in both ports, acquisition of modern tug boats, construction of access road and flyover bridge within the Tema port, construction of a 200 tone capacity fruit terminal and design and rehabilitation of slipway and drydock facilities at the Takoradi port.

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 - 05/08/07
A consortium led by Dubai-based Kampac Oil Company has signed a US$1.6 billion contract with the Ghana Railway Corporation for a railway project in western Ghana. The 35-year contract involves the construction of 800km of new railway line and the rehabilitation of 400km of existing line on a BOT basis. The construction of the new line between Takoradi and Hamile in the Upper West Region will begin in December.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. The financing of the project was done through the assignment of $2 billion worth of mineral and mining rights to the consortium on an exclusive basis. Kampac plans to raise $2 billion to $4 billion by monetising a portion of the mineral property assets. [Menafn 05/08/07]

New Satellite Tracking System to Monitor Transit Operations - 01/08/07
A new satellite transit tracking system to monitor transit operations has been developed by the Ghana Customs and Preventive Service [CEPS] as part of its service modernization and reform programme. The system is effective from 01/08/07.

• Each transit vehicle will be required to attach a tracking unit of the roof
• CEPS transit escorts will be disengaged from accompanying vehicles [the rate was GH¢ 30 [new cedis] US$28]
• Clearing Agents will be required to pay an administrative fee of GH¢ 50 [US$ 46.5] per vehicle

Click here to read the CEPS notice.

Tomato Paste Imports To Be Banned - 01/08/07
Following unfair trade practices associated with the importation of tomato paste and concentrate into the country, the government has moved to temporarily ban the importation of the products into the country, with effect from November 1, 2007. Consequently, it has directed all importers of the products to note the grace period, saying "it is meant to provide sufficient delivery time to ensure customs clearance of all pipeline imports of tomato paste and concentrate". [The Graphic]

Port Reception Facility - Takoradi Port - 01/08/07
The Ghana Port Authority is required to ensure availability of adequate Port Reception Facilities [PRF] to meet the needs of ships calling at Takoradi port. This is to fulfil the Ghana Government’s obligation under the International convention for Pollution from ships [MARPOL 73/78]. The GPHA has signed a concession with Zeal Environmental Technologies Ltd [ZET] to provide facilities for PRF in respect of oil waste and garbage. For full tariff details please click here.

6th AGOA Forum in Ghana - 01/08/07
A veritable who’s who of trade experts, including more than a thousand government officials, civil society representatives, commercial agents, and private sector representatives from the US and at least 34 African countries, converged on Accra, Ghana in July to discuss ways to expand Africa’s exports and facilitate its regional and global commerce. The sixth annual AGOA Forum, a yearly conference on US-African trade, drew dignitaries who announced new initiatives and made public commitments to the US African Growth and Opportunities Act, which waives duties and quotas on thousands of African products. But the law was also being put into action on the sidelines, as entrepreneurs showed off their products and factories to overseas buyers and asked for help in overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. 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. Panel discussions centered on Africa’s growth industries, including manufactured apparel – the third biggest AGOA export after oil and gems – agribusiness, home décor, diversified manufacturing as well as cross-cutting themes, like access to finance, market development, production and quality standards. [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]

Ghana Standards Board Is 40 - 11/08/07
The Ghana Standards Board [GSA] held its 40th anniversary under the theme: 'Setting the Pace for Standards and Quality'. Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiative, Gifty Ohene-Konadu, explained that ensuring product and service specifications underpinned international trade and that enabled trillions of dollars of goods to flow across borders. [GNA 11/08/07]

Regional Maritime Academy To Become University - 24/07/07
The Regional Maritime Academy [RMA] will from January 2008 assume a university status under the name; the Regional Maritime University. The sub-regional maritime educational institution comprising Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Cameroon and Liberia is already an affiliate of the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden and the University of Ghana, Legon. [GNA 24/07/07]

Volta Lake Transport Company Ltd On The Verge of Collapse - 07/08/07
The Volta Lake Transport Company Ltd [VLTC], responsible for inland water transportation on the Volta Lake, is on the verge of collapse. Over aged vessels and equipment are in need of rehabilitation but the company does not have the finances. 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]

Nicolas Sarkozy To Visit Ghana - 07/08/07
Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France will arrive in Ghana on 26/07/07 to begin a two-day official visit. The visit will be Sarkozy’s second outing to African since assuming office as President of France in May this year. He will hold discussions with President Kufuor on peace and stability in the sub-region as well as bilateral relations between Ghana and France.

Condoleezza Rice to visit Ghana - 07/07/07
US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, is expected in Accra to attend a regional forum of the 40 sub-Saharan African countries receiving US trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA]. Administration officials say the measure, which lowered US trade barriers to African goods, has helped to more than double the annual volume of American trade with the region and create thousands of jobs in Africa. This will be Rice's first trip to Ghana. [GHP 07/07/07]

GPHA Tenders Launched - 02/07/07
GHAPOHA has put up notice for a National Competitive Tender for the design, supply and installation of the following:

• Fuel infrastructure erection at the Golden Jubilee Terminal
• Rubber Fenders at Takoradi port
• Fibreglass roof gutters to transit shed 4 – Takoradi port
• Overhead crane – Tema port [02/07/07]

Export Certificate Required - Ghana Standards Board [GSB] - 02/07/07
The Ghana Standards Board [GSB] has directed that all exporters with immediate effect will be required to acquire an export certificate from the GSB before engaging in export trade. This is to curb the ever increasing rejection of Ghanaian exports at ports of entry especially the EU and the USA. The directive is also in line with international standards and procedures. [GSB 02/07/07] The Ghana Standards Board [GSB]

GUTA Educated On Import Procedures - 22/06/07
The Ghana Shippers Council [GSC], Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA], Ministry of Trade, Industry Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiative jointly held an open forum to educate members of the Ghana Union of Traders Associations on legitimate processes involved in importing goods and services. The programme was also geared towards discussing policy issues that affect trade commerce and industry, and to offer an avenue for traders affected by trade policies to air their grievances to policy makers.

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 - 22/06/07
The Boankra inland port project is ongoing under the management of GSC, GPHA and the private sector to enhance the business environment for shippers operating from northern Ghana.

Non-Traditional Exports Rise - 02/07/07
Trade officials from the Ghana Export Promotion Council are upbeat that non-traditional exports will cross the US$1billion mark this year. This stems from excellent performance of the sector last year. non-traditional exports hit US$893 million in 2006. [02/07/07]

Business Climate Survey - 27/06/07
The Association of Ghana Industries has launched its Business Climate Survey 2007, which will obtain information about current business constraints and other vital economic issues directly from the decision makers. Views of 300 top business executives will be sampled on various factors and economic indicators affecting the growth of enterprises in the country. [GNA 27/06/07]

Kampac Wins Ghana Railway Contract - 01/07/07
Dubai-based Kampac Oil ME is the leader of a consortium that has won a contract to design, build, operate and transfer an 800km railway line from Ghana’s port of Takoradi to Hamile, in the country’s upper west region. The total cost of the project is expected to be in the region of US$1.6 billion. According to Ghana’s Harbours, Ports, and Railways Minister, Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, the deal is part of the government’s policy to extend the railway network to northern Ghana. The project will involve the rehabilitation of the existing lines from Takoradi to Kumasi and the construction of new ones from Takoradi to Hamile. [Khaleej 01/07/07]

Bridge Development Programme - 02/07/07
The Ministry of Transportation has put up a notice for the supply of Modular Steel Bridge Components. After identifying 1,200 crossing points for its nation-wide network under its Bridge Development Programme. So far about 149 bridges have been installed. [02/07/07]

MPs Adopt GSP+ As Alternative To EPAs - 10/05/07
Members of the Ghanaian parliamentary committee on Trade and Industry have adopted the Generalized System of Preferences Plus [GSP+], a trading arrangement that gives preferential treatment to exports of developing countries to markets in Europe. The new GSP+ is expected to be an alternative to the Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA], which is currently being negotiated between the European Union and countries in the African, Caribbean and Pacific [ACP] bloc. Click here to read on...

Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition Concerned Over EPA - 23/04/07
Barely two weeks after the EU proposed to remove all remaining quota and tariff limitations on access to its market for all African, Caribbean and Pacific [ACP] regions as part of the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations [EPAs], a group called the Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition has raised concerns about the ongoing negotiations that are scheduled to be concluded by 31 December 2007. The group, which is an alliance of farmer-based organisations, local food crop producers, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations [NGOs] pointed out that the EPA negotiations pose a threat to economic livelihoods and the economy. 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 - 30/03/07
A new container terminal which will enable the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] to double the number of containers it can take was commissioned by President Kufuor. Named the Golden Jubilee Terminal, the US$15.5 million facility is to help in the decongestion of the port and provide improved services to port users. It will handle goods that are imported into Ghana and are subject to customs controls. The terminal which has been designed constructed and equipped with modern handling facilities as well as cargo tracking systems is able to take between 120 and 170 containers daily. 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 - 13/04/07
Please click here for a communiqué from Meridian Port Services [MPS] regarding the handling of reefer containers. Please note MPS will not handle reefers until end of 2007. Until that time MPS will discharge and load reefers but all shore handling and storage will be done by the GPHA. [MPS 13/04/07]

Meridian Port Services Handover - 13/04/07
Meridian Port Services [MPS] will be taking over the container handling operations at the port of Tema. The concession area is divided into two parts, known as Area A [the quay area] and Area B [primary yard area]. Area A [approximately 8.6 hectares] is fully developed for quay-crane/RTG operations whereas development of Area B [approximately 16.6 hectares] is the stacking, marshalling and administrative area. 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
Please see report for more details.

Ghana & Nigeria Harmonise Standards, Sign Pact - 18/04/07
In a fresh bid to curb importation of fake and substandard products into the country through the borders, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Ghana Standards Board, have signed a pact to operate a common standards and conformity assessment procedures. The two said they are championing and kick-starting the creation of a borderless free trade zone within the West Africa sub-region through the instrument of standardisation. The memorandum of understanding also covers collaboration and cooperation in such areas as harmonisation of standards and conformity assessment procedures; technical cooperation/assistance as well as training, internship and exchange programmes in metrology, standardisation and quality assurance. 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 - 18/04/07
Please see report for more details.

Ghana Cement Imports - 30/03/07
The Ghana ministry has reminded importers that there is no restriction whatsoever on the importation of cement in any form, whether as a finished product or in terms of its raw material component. Ghana has been hit by a shortage of the product since last year following the inability of the Ghana Cement Works [GHACEM] Limited to produce enough to meet the huge market demand. [DG 30/03/07]

Eastern Rail Network: PPA Agreement - 19/03/07
The Ministry of Harbours and Railways has entered into an agreement with M/S Peatrak Limited for the reconstruction of the country’s railways. This is a public-private partnership which will see M/S Peatrak reconstruct, expand and operate the Eastern Rail Network, stretching from Tema / Accra through Kumasi to Paga under a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer [DBOT] arrangement. The concessionary period is 35 years and the project is expected to begin from Tema in June 2007. [GT 19/03/2007]

Reefer storage at Tema Port - 16/04/07
Please click here for a communiqué from Meridian Port Services [MPS] regarding the handling of reefer containers. Please note MPS will not handle reefers until end of 2007. Until that time MPS will discharge and load reefers but all shore handling and storage will be done by the GPHA.

Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority Golden Jubilee Terminal - 16/04/07
The new Golden Jubilee Terminal [GJT] which was due to start business on 12th of March will now open 1st of April earliest. The facility has been designed to handle some imported FCL and all LCL containers into Ghana, which are subject to Customs controls. For details please click here.

Import Clearance Process at Ghana Seaports - 16/04/07
The introduction of the GCNet electronic clearance system in September 2003 was a welcome development for shippers and customs house agents alike, as it cut down the clearing time substantially and allowed for on-line, exchange of trade information. Unfortunately, in recent times there have been complaints about the abuse of the customs clearance system which is quite disturbing. This has prompted the Council to take measures to ensure that shippers are well informed about the demands and the requirements or the customs clearance system and procedures involved. This following is therefore intended to serve as a guide in the conduct of cargo clearance in the ports. Cilck here to read on...

EPAs Will Protect Ghanaian And ACP Producers - EU Trade Commissioner - 13/03/07
Peter Mandleson, the European Union Commissioner on Trade has stated that the Economic Partnership Agreements [EPA] with Ghana and African Caribbean Pacific [ACP] countries would protect ACP producers, domestic and regional markets. He said the goal is not simply to protect domestic markets but to allow them to grow and develop sufficient strength to compete more widely. That means transition periods and progressive opening, and that is exactly what the EPAs allow for. 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 - 13/03/07
West African exporters frequently cite inadequate financing for working capital or investment in new equipment as the chief frustration they face when competing in the global market. A pilot project launched in February by USAID and ECOBANK Transnational Incorporated [ETI] aims to change that, building a model for improved relationships between West African commercial banks and small-to-medium enterprises [SMEs], particularly export-ready companies.

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 - 01/03/07
Work has begun on the 75km Sogakope-Adidome-Ho-Fume road. The Government is funding the project estimated to cost about US$19m. [OTAL local agent 01/03/07]

Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority Golden Jubilee Terminal Opens - 16/03/07
Please click here for details regarding The Golden Jubilee Terminal [GJT] which opened for business to receive and handle containers on 12th March. The facility has been designed to handle some imported FCL and all LCL containers into Ghana, which are subject to Customs controls. You will find particulars on the transferral of containers and operational details.

Meridian Port Services To Start Operation In March - 03/03/07
Meridian Port Services [MPS] Limited is to start operations at the end of March 2007 at the new container stacking and marshalling terminal within the Tema Port. The new terminal, which will be completed by the end of the year, will offer clients in the sub-region with efficient service. 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
Current agitations and the prevailing circumstances at the Tema Port has compelled the suspension of the 20-year Build, Operate and Transfer [BOT] management contract between the Government of Ghana [GoG] through its representatives, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] and a foreign consortium. This follows a series of mass protests by key stakeholders in the maritime industry, including the various stevedoring companies and aggrieved dockworkers whose livelihood appears to be at stake.

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
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority will transfer the management and handling operations of the Container Terminal [Quay 2] to Meridian Port Services [MPS] from 15th February 2007. All shipping agents and off-dock terminals will no longer be allowed to take units from under tackle but rather would have to take their units from a "delivery interface".

Massive Job Loss To Hit Tema Port - 01/02/07
There have been strong indications of massive job cuts at Tema port, following the signing of a 20 year Build, Operate and Transfer [BOT] agreement between the Government of Ghana and a foreign consortium, Meridian Port Services [MPS] for the latter to manage a Container Terminal at the port. Approximately 4,000 jobs on the line. 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 - 01/02/07
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders [GIFF] has called on the government to regulate the activities of ship owners and agents in the country to prevent them from charging illegal container fees. They also want the government to extend the free demurrage period from seven days to 14 days.

Call For Ban On Incandescent Bulbs - 25/01/07
The Association of Ghana Industries have called for a total ban on the importation of incandescent light bulbs into Ghana. This call has come in the light of the worsening energy situation in the country. It is estimated that the country can save up to between 200-400 megawatts of electricity a day if it introduces 8 million units of Compact Fluorescent Lamps. [OTAL Agent 25/01/07]

Eastern Railway To Take-Off - 25/01/07
The Eastern Railway line targeted for construction by the government from Tema to Paga is expected to begin in April 2007. The Minister for Ports and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi disclosed that a memorandum for the new project to be constructed by a foreign group is currently before Cabinet for approval. He however declined to disclose the names and where the investors are coming from.

CEPS To Acquire Speedboats To Patrol Volta Lake - 12/02/07
Customs, Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS] will acquire a speedboat to patrol the Volta Lake to combat the high incidence of smuggling and areas to be patrolled are Kpando-Tokor, Gemeni and Tapa Abotoase. [GNA 12/02/07]

Ho Sector Of CEPS Exceeded 2006 Revenue Target - 21/01/07
The Ho sector of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service [CEPS], has exceeded its 2006 revenue target by 16.22%, having bagged a net collection of 59.30 billion cedis instead of a target of 51.10 billion cedis. Meanwhile CEPS in Tema mobilized 9.9 trillion cedis revenue last year, representing 90% of its target estimated at about 11 trillion cedis, Aflao CEPS mobilised 375.51 billion cedis in revenue last year, exceeding their revenue target of 88.66 billion cedis and Sunyani CEPS exceeded its revenue target of 21.7 billion cedis last year by a margin of 54 million cedis, representing 0.25 percent. [GNA 21/01/07]

MPS Start Operation In March - 22/02/07
There has been much reported in the Ghana press concerning the handover of terminal operations and management of Tema Port to Meridian Port Services [MPS]. Please find the latest news that was issued in a joint press release by MPS and GPHA on 22/02/07

Ghana Government Suspends MPS Contract - 19/020/7
Please find an article which appeared in the Ghanaian Chronicle on 15/02/07 announcing the suspension of the 20-year Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) management contract between the Government of Ghana (GoG) and Meridian Port Services (MPS).

Tema - MPS Start Up Procedures - 05/02/07
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has sent us a letter confirming that from 15th February 2007 onwards, Meridian Port Services [MPS] would transfer the container management and handling operations for both Tem/Takoradi ports. Please click here to find details on MPS.

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Latest on Tema Port Construction works

Berth 1 - Draft 11.5m, 200m. Vessels accepted: Containerships, Roro/Containerships only. No car carrier and conventional vessels.

Berth 2 - 183m. Draft 11.5m. Vessels accepted: Containerships, Roro/Containerships only. No car carrier and conventional vessels.

Berth 2N - 200m. Draft 11.5m. Vessels accepted: Containerships, Roro/Containerships only. No car carrier and conventional vessels.

Berth 3N Only for tugboats.

Berth 4N Draft 10m. Vessel accepted: Conventional, RoRo/Containerships, Car Carriers. No Gantry cranes this side

Berth 4 Draft 9m. Vessel accepted after end of works: Conventional, RoRo/Containerships, Car Carriers, possibly containerships. No Gantry cranes this side.

Berth 5 Draft 9m. Vessel accepted after works: Conventional, RoRo/Containerships, Car Carriers, possibly containerships. No Gantry cranes this side.

Quay 1

Berth 6 to 11 Draft 8m (very maximum 8.4m depending on tide). All ships accepted.

Berths 10 to 12 are to be dredged to 11.5 Meters.

The above information have been submitted to us by the GPHA officials, any of the specifications are accuracy can be amended at any given time.

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Contacts and Links
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Ghana National Chamber of Commerce
Standard Chartered Bank Building
Kojo Thompson Road (PO Box 2325)
Accra, Ghana
Tel: + 233 62427 / 62210

Port Authority - Tema
Ghana Ports & Harbour Authority
PO Box 488
Tema
Tel: + 233 22 204385
Fax: +233 22 204136
E-mail: tema@ghanaports.net

Port Authority - Takoradi
Ghana Ports & Harbour Authority
PO Box 708
Takoradi
Tel: +233 31 22252
Fax: + 233 31 22814

Ministry of Ports, Harbours & Railways
Ministries Post Office PMB, Ministries-Accra
Tel: (233)21-681780
Tel: (233)21-681781

The National Enquiry Point [NEP]
Ghana Standards Board
Headoffice, Near Gulf House, Okponglo, Accra
For further information, please contact the National Enquiry Point on tel: 021-500065-6, 506991-4
Issued by: Executive Director
[Printed in DG 12/12/06]

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