The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is putting its weight behind a drive to improve port security.
Acting director-general Michael Luguje has agreed to work in close collaboration with security agencies to expose misdeclaration and container diversions.
“Our role is to be landlords and operators of the port. We don’t have the capacity to build security intelligence but we acknowledge the contribution of the National Security Council (NSC) who are the eyes and ears of what goes on inside and outside of our port,” he said.
He added that he was also working with the Burkinabes to establish who were the genuine importers so that the issue of diversions could be addressed.
According to the NSC, container diversion is at its peak, although the introduction of a paperless process has made a significant impact.
“There have been reports of some who deliberately declare cargo as transit cargo to the landlocked countries so that they avoid paying customs duty, and once they’re out of the port they find ways of diverting it back into Ghana’s economy which means that Ghana loses revenue. That has become a major source of concern for customs and ourselves,” he said.
The Joint Port Control has requested a secured yard for container investigations.
The general manager, marketing and corporate affairs of GPHA, Esther Gyebi-Donkor, has suggested that hefty fines be levied for vessels bringing in contraband goods.
