Assistant Commissioner Theresa Potakey
Assistant Commissioner Theresa Potakey, Tema Sector Commander, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs, says the Tema Port is on its way to full preparedness for the implementation of the 24-hour operations.
President John Dramani Mahama recently announced that the Tema and Takoradi ports would soon be declared 24-hour operational ports as part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative aimed at boosting productivity and economic growth.
Assistant Commissioner Potakey, speaking at a Customs Joint Consultative Committee meeting in Tema, said the initiative was crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the ports and ensuring that they operated at their maximum capacity, mirroring global best practices.
“In line with this, I can assure you that Tema port is well on its way to full preparedness for this 24-hour economy. Significant strides have been made in terms of infrastructure, technology, and human resource deployment to ensure a seamless transition and sustain efficiency around the clock,” she stated.
She added that the initiative would not only boost trade but also create more opportunities within the port ecosystem.
The Tema Sector Customs Commander said the board of GRA had approved the transfer of more officers to augment the staff strength in Tema in readiness of the implementation.
“We have the men; that’s all we need to work. Our officers are ready; they are gearing up to come, and I am ready to accept them and give them the necessary orientation, so we hope the other stakeholders, like GPHA, are also ready,” she said.
According to her, some shipping lines have also given the assurance to work 24 hours, adding, however, that with stakeholders such as the GPHA, most of the things needed are capital intensive, such as properly lit terminals and eateries for those who would work during the night.