Business News of Monday, 4 November 2013

Source: B&FT

Safebond redefining port operations

Safebond, a shore-handling operator at the ports of Tema and Takoradi, says it is poised to help the ports achieve the vision of becoming leading trade and logistics hubs in the West Africa sub-region.

The company said its modern and efficient processes have helped to reduce clearing time significantly at the ports, and speed up the turnaround time of vessels.

Mr. Isaac Kodom, Group Deputy Managing Director, said since the company took charge of non-containerised car terminal operations at the port, it has brought in the best human resources, technology and customer/employee-oriented management to improve maritime operations.

He said the company has ensured maximum terminal security with the deployment of a good mix of physical and electronic security measures, and a unique automated system of cargo clearance and management.

“This has ensured maximum productivity, safety and security of cargo at the terminal, as well as satisfaction of customers,” he said.

Mr. Kodom added that the company’s goal is to become a major economic and social development partner by leveraging on its experiences to launch into related and unrelated business areas to achieve its pan-African agenda.

The company also takes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously, and has donated a double incubator valued at US$18,400 to the Tema General Hospital Children’s Ward.

Mr. Isaac Kodom, making the presentation, stated that over the years the company has embarked on a number of CSR programmes as a way of giving back to society. Areas of concentration include education and health among others.

Dr. Kwabena Onwona Agyeman, receiving the incubator on behalf of the hospital, was grateful to the company for the kind gesture. He called on corporate Ghana to emulate the company’s gesture.

Among institutions that have benefitted from Safebond’s CSR activities are the Children’s Heart Foundation, Tema General Hospital, Tema Municipal Assembly, University of Ghana Medical School, Orthopedic Centre, Chemu Secondary School, CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards, and Corpus Christi School.

The company operates as part of a network of strategic business units, including Safebond Car Terminal and Selig Services. The company is a one-stop logistics business providing top-notch value-added services to its clients, which include government and the private sector.