A One-Week Training workshop on Self-Auditing in Port Facilities has begun in Tema on Tuesday, 14th November, 2017.

This has become necessary as a result of the need to ensure safety of life at sea as well as the regulation of the Maritime industry.

The objective of the workshop is to encourage port safety for maritime trade, in accordance with the theme for the 2017 International Maritime Organization (IMO) "Connecting Ships, Ports and People".

The Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah stated that Ghana has domesticated the International Ship and Port Facility Security code with the enactment of the Maritime Security Act (Act 675) in 2004 and that the workshop was being held at the time when Ghana,under the leadership of His Excellency President Akufo-Addo is mobilising resources  for an industrial transformation in the country, to create jobs and equal opportunities in the Maritime and Port sector.

He mentioned that seaports play a vital role in national development by providing critical support to Ghana's international Trade and  Tax Revenue mobilization and that it is  essential that seaports have the appropriate mix of infrastructure, equipment, technology and well trained personnel for effective and efficient handling of cargo and vessels.

He disclosed that Ghana's Ports are  going through massive expansion to reposition them for their  expected role in National Development .

The Minister for Transport Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah expressed appreciation to the Danish Embassy, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the IMO for sponsoring the workshop.

The IMO Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa, Captain Dallas Laryea expressed appreciation to the organisers and entreated stakeholders to actively participate in the workshop.