After completing a year-long course on modern port management in October 2015, 24 managers (16 men, 8 women) from Ghana's two main ports--Tema and Takoradi--conducted studies on how to increase port efficiency and modernize operations. Last month, participants presented the results of their work to panels that included UNCTAD representatives, executive directors from Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and senior managers from Dublin Port Company-one of the European ports that support the programme.

The panels, which were held at the main offices of Tema Port, commended the participants for their work, recommending that senior managers review the studies and take them into consideration when formulating strategies for improving the ports.
The studies looked at issues related to equipment, cargo handling, corporate social responsibility, legal management, financial management, human resources development, information technology, health and safety, and port security.

The three that received the highest marks looked at the following issues:
1. The causes of downtime of cargo handling equipment and its effects on operational productivity
2. An evaluation of the impact of the oil and gas discovery near Takoradi Port
3. The impact of axle load control on transit trade through Tema Port

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority joined UNCTAD's TrainForTrade Port Training Programme in 2009, as part of their efforts to upgrade the knowledge and skills of their staff and improve the operations of their ports. A total of 81 managers have since graduated from the programme.
Source: UNCTAD