Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) is progressively being transformed in line with Government policy to enable it to focus efforts on the provision and maintenance of basic port infrastructure and the regulation of the private sector.

Under the new programme, GPHA will be required to maintain a slimmer headquarters whilst the two ports of Tema and Takoradi would be given greater operational autonomy.

Sector Minister Dr Richard Anane who was addressing the third in the series of the meet-the-press this year said to actualise this objective, government was undertaking various projects aimed at increasing the operational efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

The projects also aimed to push the country to a position as the 'preferred destination in the sub-region'. The Minister said as part of the efforts, Government through the help of the Japanese International Cooperation Assistance (JICA) had developed a master plan for the Tema and Takoradi ports.

The plan of Tema seeks to expand the existing harbour with the construction of a new breakwater on the western side of the harbour to accommodate third generation vessels.

It would also be developed into a container terminal for fast developing container trade. The plan for Takoradi, valued at 100 million dollars is to be implemented through a concession to interested terminal operators on 'Build Operate and Transfer' basis.

The Minister expressed the hope that a contract for the project would be signed before December this year. He said berths at the Tema Port had been dredged from 8.5 metres to 11.5 metres to accommodate larger and modern vessels, and reduce waiting time of deep-drafted vessels. Similar dredging activities would be carried out at the Takoradi port.

A contract was being signed for private sector development of an area outside the bonded area of Tema Port for the relocation of imported vehicles and the inspection of imported cargo outside the bonded area.

This, the Minister, explained would free up space for the efficient handling of containers inside the port. Dr Anane said four additional private stevedoring companies had been licensed, bringing the number to seven with a control of 75 percent of traffic to offer competitive service to shippers.