Tema, Oct. 03, GNA -- The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on Tuesday launched its 20th anniversary with a call on staffers to resolve to seal all loopholes that have the tendency to tarnish the reputation of the authority to affect the nation.

Launching the anniversary with the theme, "20 years of port reforms; the challenges ahead', Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Harbour and Railways advised the workers against colluding with other stakeholders to indulge in criminal activities in order not to destroy the hard earned reputation.

Though the Tema port was built in 1962, the anniversary is being celebrated to commemorate the merger of the then Ghana Cargo Handling Company, Ghana Ports Authority and Takoradi Litherage Limited 20 years ago to become the GPHA.

To achieve this, he entreated them to be extra vigilant over other stakeholders and muster the courage to expose criminal activities should they act unpatriotically to affect the organisation.

To this end, he asked the workers to protect the reputation of the GPHA to enable it continue to prosper by taking up the challenge not to succumb to temptations and outside influences. "It is only when you take up that challenge that you protect the reputation of the GPHA and the nation as a whole", he stated. With the numerous achievements made within the 20 years, the Minister encouraged the management and workers to continue to exhibit patriotism, honesty, truthfulness and work hard to achieve more successes to attract both local and foreign businesses.

To overcome challenges confronting the GPHA, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi stressed the need to adopt innovative and strategic management initiatives that will effectively blend the port reform with customer-centred attitude by all service providers in the maritime industry.

"We are witnesses to the often outrageous and utterly shameful lapses in the performance of duties by officials of organisations providing various services at the ports".

He underscored the need to observe strict compliance with regulatory procedures for the entire spectrum of operation at the ports to continue to aggressively attract business, which hinges on not only the facilities but attitude and professionalism of various individuals. In a welcoming address, Engineer Biran A. Adomako, Chairman of GPHA Board of Directors commended the management and workers for their quality leadership, vision and determination that has guided the authority to chalk successes and urged them to continue with the zeal. Within its 20 years, more projects have been undertaken at the Port of Tema, including acquisition of three ship-to-shore container gantry cranes, four rubber tyred gantries, extension of the quay two, the dredging of berths one and two to accommodate bigger vessels and the ongoing construction of dock container devanning area.

Others are construction of transit Truck Park outside the port, re-fencing of the entire port, acquisition of more container handling equipment, introduction of scanners to facilitate quick delivery of containers and installation of Close Circuit Television among others. Among those present were past Director Generals, the Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Kraku ll, foreign business counterparts as well as Shippers and other stakeholders.

Other activities marking the celebration include, a float by the workers, awards ceremony, business forum, photo exhibition and thanksgiving service.