Business News of Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Source: GHANAIAN TIMES

Ghana To have Free Port Soon

Ghana will soon have a free sea-port near to the Tema Port to cater for mainly transit goods meant for neighbouring inland countries. The modalities are currently being worked out by the ministry of Trade and Industry.

When operational, vessels will be allowed to dock at the port at low charges to discharge and re-distribute goods consigned for Ghana and other neighbouring countries.

Trade and Industry minister, Alan Kyeremanten, disclosed this in Accra, yesterday, in a chat with newsmen after opening a three-day trade facilitation workshop.

He said ?the establishment of the port, which is part of the new trade sector support programme (TSSP), is to assist in facilitating trade in the country and create more jobs and business for the private sector.?

Addressing the workshop earlier, Mr Kyeremanten said the objective of the forum was to create a platform for stakeholders in the trade sector to discuss issues towards improving trade arrangements.

About 50 participants from various trade sector institutions are attending the workshop organised by CEPA. They include the Ghana Shippers Council, Freight Forwarders, Customs Excise and Preventive Services, Association of Ghana Industries, Aviance Ghana Limited and Atlantic Port Services.