Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, has underscored the need for retired workers to place their rich expertise at the disposal of the youth to impact positively on their lives.

He said retired workers must mentor the youth for them to lead responsible lives and also increase productivity to enhance the socio-economic growth of the country.

"Those who retired without imparting their knowledge to others would be doing a disservice to the nation."

Mr Ekow Gyan made the call at a farewell service held in honour of Captain James Owusu-Koranteng at the Takoradi Port by the management of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

Born in 1955, Capt. Owusu-Koranteng started his working life as an apprentice Deck Cadet with the defunct Black Star Line. He also worked with other shipping Lines before joining the GPHA, and rose through the ranks to become the Director of Takoradi Port in 2012.

Under his administration, the port transformation was accelerated and culminated in various projects. Notable among them was the extension of the main breakwater and the dredging of the new bulk.

The port recorded an annual loss of GH¢7.0 millon, but in 2013, shot up to annual profit of GH¢9.0m and subsequently rose to GH¢51.2, in the third quarter of 2015.

Mr Richard Anamoo, Director-General of the GPHA, commended the retired Port Director and said his vision had led to the transformation of the port.

Captain Ebenezer Afadzi, the in-coming Director of the Takoradi Port, called for cooperation and support from the entire staff in order to improve work at the port.