The acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has made a compelling call for the scrapping of VAT and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo.

He believes that such a move would significantly enhance Ghana's competitiveness as a premier transit hub in the West African sub-region, positioning the country to attract greater international business and strengthen its economic standing.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono argued that, removing VAT on transit cargo would not only make Ghana's ports more attractive to global trade but also create substantial job opportunities, supporting the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and align with its 24-hour economic policy.

He made these remarks during a working visit by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to the GPHA headquarters.

In his address, the Director-General emphasized that the transit trade market is highly competitive, with neighboring ports such as Lome and Abidjan constantly vying for business.

He noted that any disruption in Ghana’s port operations, particularly through the imposition of additional levies, could result in businesses shifting to alternative regional ports.

“Since the cargo in question is not destined for Ghana, it stands to reason that removing these VAT levies would not only boost business but also generate additional employment opportunities,” he stated.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono further revealed that a joint team, comprising personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GPHA, had recently traveled to Lome to assess their port systems. This followed a similar visit to Abidjan, where the team studied operational practices in an effort to enhance Ghana’s own port competitiveness and streamline its operations.

Outlining his strategic vision for the Authority, Tanye-Kulono highlighted key areas of focus, including the digitalization of operations, building organizational resilience, and fostering a corporate culture grounded in discipline, fairness, and teamwork.

He expressed optimism that these initiatives, coupled with support from government agencies, would propel GPHA to new heights of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The Director-General assured that investigations were underway regarding some missing trailors and that due process will be followed, and once the investigations are concluded, all culprits will be held accountable.

In response, Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe expressed his commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the removal of the VAT and COVID-19 levies.

He emphasized that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, remains dedicated to revitalizing the country’s economy, with the maritime and port sectors identified as critical pillars in this strategic agenda. Minister Nikpe also praised Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono’s leadership and urged GPHA staff and management to rally behind him in advancing the Authority’s mission.

The Minister and his entourage visited Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Tema Shipyard.

Discussions during these visits revolved around the expansion of port infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies, and exploring necessary industry reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s maritime sector.

Accompanying the Minister were the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials from the Ministry.

The visit forms part of a broader initiative to tour agencies under the Ministry’s oversight, fostering closer collaboration and gaining a deeper understanding of the strategic developments taking place in the maritime and transport sectors.

With a focus on modernization and competitiveness, these initiatives signal a pivotal moment for Ghana’s ports as they strive to become a leading maritime gateway for the sub-region.