Accra, April 7, GNA - Nii Amarh Ashittey, Greater Accra Regional Minister on Tuesday charged the Shippers Council and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to reposition themselves to maximize benefits in that sector.

"The future of the industry is good especially when the Indians are living the business of sea faring, meanwhile Singapore had developed out of shipping and government is looking at areas of strengthening the sector".

Nii Ashittey, also a shipping Consultant said this when he received Mr Kofi Mbiah, Chief Executive of the Shippers Council and Mr Emmanuel Martey a Deputy of the Council to discuss matters of mutual interest to the region and the council as a whole.

He noted that shipping had become another important area which could help in the country's development, adding, "the UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were exploring areas to generate jobs for the youths".

The Minister also called on the Council to look at transhipment among ECOWAS members as an avenue to strengthen trade relations. Mr Mbiah noted that the Boankra Inland Port Project was on going

to help in the distribution of imported goods. He noted that the credits crunch had affected import. Mr Mbiah said the development of the coastal areas was also important, "We really have to develop the coastal shipping and infrastructure".

He said employment of more youths into the industry was another area of concern for the council, "We are collaborating with the Maritime Academy to train people to fill in the gaps".