Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - Transit traffic at Ghana's ports grew from 8,448 tonnes in 1997 to 761,251 tonnes in 2003, Nana Ama Ofei Nkansah, President of the newly inaugurated Terminal Operators and Stevedores Association of Ghana (TOSAG) said on Tuesday.

She said terminal and stevedoring operations in the country had undergone tremendous changes and ascribed the achievement to the smooth accessibility of the ports in Ghana, excellent roads and inland waterways and friendly and efficient workforce.

These, she said had made the ports in the country ideal for the landing of transit cargo from neighbouring countries.

The launch of the Association also coincided with the inauguration of its executive officers by Nana Twum Barima II, Kyidomhene of Akyem Abuakwa, who represented the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin. Nana Nkansah in her inaugural address said the increase in transit cargo called for pragmatic knowledge in port and terminal management as well as a solid understanding of port and terminal operation.

She said the Association was thus established to educate members on new trends and to increase local companies participation in port operations, support local employment and new investments in the ports, and to seek closer cooperation with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, ship-owners and shipping agents.

She said with the Association in place, customer expectations of quality and speedy services were assured.

Oseadeayo Addo Dankwa III, Paramount Chief of the Akropong-Akwapim Traditional Area, called on members to ensure efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in their operations.

He also urged the members to work hard to remain at the forefront of the national freight and logistic industry.