Port authorities in the West African sub-region must act together to explore the full potential of the region's maritime industry to enable them compete in the global economy, Richard Anamoo, Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has said.

Mr. Anamoo, who was opening a conference and exhibition dubbed 'Ports and Harbours West Africa', held in Accra, said stronger collaboration among players in the sub-region will improve efficiency, develop capacity and boost investor confidence.

He said there is an urgent need for significant infrastructure investment in both port and inland logistics potentials to be able to satisfy the increasing demands of some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

He said with the huge growth in trade throughout West Africa, and the projected future growth, an upgrade in infrastructure at the various ports in West Africa in particular and Africa in general to handle greater volumes and larger vessels was important.

Mr. Anamoo cited congestion to be a major drawback affecting port efficiency indicators--dwell time, capacity, productivity and delivery turn time--and called for knowledge sharing to address the issue to harness the needed trade and investment benefits.

The three day conference put together by the International Quality and Productivity Authority (IQPC) in collaboration with the GPHA pooled representatives from 20 port authorities across Africa.

Representatives from the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also participated in the programme.

Participants, during the three day conference, discussed port construction and expansion challenges faced by governments and the way to overcome such challenges.

The conference also enabled sector actors to identify solutions and innovative equipment capabilities which would ensure port infrastructure and transport networks were efficient and equipped to the highest standards.