STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO BE NEUTRAL IN THEIR DEALINGS AT THE PORTS
The Deputy Director-General of Finance & Administration at the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Yaw Akosa Antwi, has charged various stakeholders to incorporate neutralities to curb corruption in our various ports.
He stated that the impervious nature of the shipping industry makes fighting corruption difficult as it indicates many challenges that require an all-inclusive solution.
“I therefore encourage all participants to dedicate themselves to this workshop and follow with keen interest the gathering selected topics and ensure that we all return to our various countries and agencies with fresh ideas on how to indicate or incorporate neutralities aimed to curb corruption in our ports.”
He said this at the opening of the Global Best in Vessel Clearance Workshop in Accra.
The two-days workshop organized by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) in partnership with GMA brought together participants and industry players in the maritime sector.
The first part of the workshop saw a representation of Maritime experts from six African countries to deliberate on new trends in best practices in vessel clearance at seaports.
As seaborne trade continues to expand, the need to develop a strategy to curb Maritime corruption is key as it has damaging effects on trade and investment.
Over the years, there have been calls on stakeholders coming together to tackle maritime corruption and address the risks involved.
Mr. Akosa explained that extortion by officials, even of small amounts, is inappropriate because small delays have very high costs.
“Corruption in the maritime sector not only generates additional operational costs for the maritime industry thereby endangering the safety and well-being of the crew, but also is a barrier to trade and development,” he added.
Ports are vital parts of the supply chain enabling goods and services to be transported across the world to meet ever increasing demands. About 80% of the world trade volume is carried by shipping, hence the need to eliminate corruption.
Story by Jackline Favour Asassey
Edited by Tawiah Mensah
