President Nana Akufo-Addo has been honoured for his “personal and government’s commitment” to modernising Ghana’s ports, which have positioned them as the preferred maritime trade gateway to West and Central Africa.

The special award was conferred on President Akufo-Addo by the African Port Award (APA) Foundation in Accra on Tuesday at the ongoing 39th Council & Conference of Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Accra.

The conference is being attended by the Directors of ports in 15 West and Central African countries as well as representatives from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and other key stakeholders in the management of ports.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia received the award on behalf of President Akufo-Addo.

A citation accompanying the award, read: “Special Award to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in recognition of his personal and government’s commitment to modernising Ghana’s ports in terms of infrastructure and ICT to position them as the preferred maritime trade gateway to West and Central Africa.”

In brief remarks, the President of the Foundation, Guy Manouan, praised President Akufo-Addo for the “quality work” being undertaken at the ports, which have made them more attractive for maritime trade.

“On behalf of the APA Foundation, I would like to express our gratitude to your Excellency for all the quality work being achieved for the ports of Ghana to raise their performances at the highest levels.”

Ghana’s ports have undergone major reforms in the 18-month tenure of the Akufo-Addo government, including the implementation of a paperless clearing process.

The government has also overseen the drastic reduction in the number of regulatory agencies undertaking inspections from 16 to three, dramatically improving the turnaround time for clearing of goods and reducing cost and bringing about greater efficiency.