Ghana’s ports have recently received commendable assistance from the government on security. In confirmation, some officials from the United State Coast Guard have conducted their routine auditing of port facilities in the port of Tema. The audit is in line with the international ship and port security (ISPS) code, which came into being in the early part of 2004 and aimed at implementing and enforcing high security measures to prevent the act of terrorism and other security threats in Ports and their facilities.
In addition, reports confirmed that the team visited the various entry and exit points of the port of Tema to assess control mechanisms put in the place by Ghana’s Port Authority. The team observed a high and full compliance on the part of Ghana’s Port Security led by Lt. Cool. Nana Antwi-Darkwa which is geared towards protecting lives and properties at Ghana’s Ports.
The team confirmed to reporters that the port’s security services are highly efficient and hope that more will be done on security. Also, reports further confirmed that the team observed how cargoes are discharged in a safe environment. The safety delivery of cargoes received commendation from the inspecting team.
After inspecting and observing activities in the port, Ron Caputo, a member of the US Coast Guard team commended the port authority for the improved level of security even in the area of cargo discharge but stressed that it can be improved.
In response, the Port Security Manager, Lt. Col. Nana Antwi-Darkwa said security in Ghana’s Ports has improved enormously following stringent measures put in place by the Port Authority. He further stated that the government has invested so much in security which has helped to safeguard lives and properties in the port:
“Education has been good, the access control system has also been very good because in 2014 we use to have issues with stowaways but now for the past two years there hasn’t been any record of stowaways from our country to any country.”
Further more, the Harbour Master of Tema Port, Christian Yeboah Asante explained to reported that if the port had been noncompliance to the ISPC code, there could have been dire consequences for the Port Authority. He said the compliance of the port to the ISPC code had saved them expensive penalties.
In order to appreciate the commitment of some humble port personnel, the security department of the port authority held a short ceremony to remember some of them who died in the line of duty within the last 15 years. This is a way to encourage the present officers on duty to be committed and hardworking in discharging their duties.They also used the occasion to show appreciation to God for his guidance and protection.
Ghanaian port authority was satisfied with the comments of US coast guard. The authority said they have really invested in security and will still continue to invest more in order to protect lives and properties in and around the port.
