Sector Report

Port Development Ghana

April 2015 (update)
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

Colophon

Sector Report on
Port Sector

Composed for: Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands

Contact : Economic Section
[email protected]
Telephone: +233 302 214 358

Composed by Geert de Jong and Thomas Baas

Contact [email protected]

With cooperation from Marnix Segers

Date 08 | 04 | 2015

Corporate Social Responsiblity

The Dutch government supports CSR in international business and expects companies to
operate according to the Guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), see also http://www.oecdguidelines.nl/. More information on CSR and
international business can be found on www.agentschapnl.nl/mvo (in Dutch).

Pagina 2 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

Table of contents

Colophon—2

1 Summary—4

2 General information port sector—5

2.1 Overview economic situation—5
2.2 Institutional context port sector—5
2.2.1 Tema Port—6
2.2.2 Takoradi Port—6

3 Port Sector information—8

3.1 Port performance—8
3.2 Infrastructural connections—8
3.2.1 Tema—8
3.2.2 Takoradi—9
3.2 Port capacity—10
3.2.3 Takoradi—12
3.3 Administrative processes—14
3.4 Port Tariffs—15
3.5 Lead time—15
3.6 Regional market position—16

4 Relevant Contacts—18

5 Second line parties—19

6 Trade fairs and journals in the coming period—20

7 Addresses Dutch foreign missions—21

Pagina 3 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

1 Summary

The port sector in Ghana is the vehicle for economic growth. Whereas Ghana
previously benefitted from an increase of cargo flow due to the political turmoil in
Côte d’Ivoire; in 2013, the growth in traffic volumes slowed down. Despite the
challenging the competition of regional seaports, the ports of Ghana offers a lot of
opportunities to invest. The main challenges of the ports of Tema and Takoradi is to
upgrade their efficiencies in port operations on the short term and to expand the
port to absorb growing cargo volumes.

For already a few years the ports in Ghana (in particular Tema) have reached their
limits to accommodate trade traffic. Facing the serious risk of the current under
capacity, the ports are becoming overrunned. Results are the current congestions
for mooring at the berths, a lack of yard space and storage areas, limited capacity
for transport the cargo to the hinterland and cumbersome administrative processes.
This also concerns the ongoing lack of competition within port management that
remains a major obstacle for a competitive transport segment. Subsequently,
delays are the outcome which leads to higher costs.
Yet, port operations are improving and capacity is increasing. Examples are the
current port expansion project in Takoradi and the upgrade of handling equipment
and system in Tema. Recently, a public-private-partnership invested $1.5 billion in
the port of Tema, to increase the capacity of the port and improve the
infrastructure.

Although Ghana encountered difficulties for accessing the Chinese soft loan of 3
billon USD, the government and GPHA firmly acknowledge to involve the private
sector regarding the expansion of the port of Tema. The increasing involvement of
the government has shown the crucial understanding of solid port infrastructure for
regaining economic momentum.
These developments provide also investment opportunities on the short term in
order to accommodate growing cargo volumes for the domestic market on the
medium term.

The outlook for the coming years is challenging. A strong competition from the
ports of Abidjan and Lomé, macroeconomic vulnerability and an ineffective
governing structure are limiting growth factors. However, the projection is that
Ghana will continue the pace of economic growth and promising developments in
the oil and gas sector will be monetized on short term. Therefore, the port sector
needs to secure its function as vehicle for economic development. All in all, 2014
should be used to finally realize protracted ambitions for enhancing and expanding
the ports capacity and hinterland connections. Attracting foreign investments and
the involvement of the private sector are vital to meet these objectives.

Pagina 4 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

2 General information port sector

2.1 Overview economic situation

Ghana’s economic growth remained strong over the last decades. Ghana’s growth is
led by its political stability, its relatively liberal economic policies and rising primary
commodity prices. Yet, the economic growth of the most recent years is more
moderate. This economic success has been noticed by Dutch companies. The
opportunities in the Ghanaian and regional market continue to attract trade and
investment from The Netherlands.

Trade and investment promotion are the core activities of this embassy. The West
African region has strong growth figures and is seen by many Dutch companies as
an interesting emerging market. Ghana is an attractive vantage point for
international businesses with ambitions to expand in West Africa. Accra is a
preferred hub for companies as it offers security, stability, adequate education and
health facilities, an internationally trained work force at the academic level, and
convenient flight connections to the major destinations in the region.

Economic growth alone is not enough to lead Ghana to sustained higher levels of
development. The government needs to transform its services, to manage the
increasing complexities of a fast growing economy.

The Ghanaian economy has grown steadily over the last ten years, in part due to
high prices in primary commodities such as cocoa, timber and gold and since 2011
oil. The pace of growth in the Ghanaian economy moderated in 2012 reaching 8%
compared to 15% in 2011. This trend continued, resulting in 7.3% in 2013, a 5%
growth in 2014 and an estimated 3.7% in 2015. In order to counter this decreasing
economic growth, the Government of Ghana will need to speed up reforms,
including measures to budget more realistically and broaden its tax base by
including the informal economy, which forms a large share of economic activities, in
order to increase revenues.

Projections for the next 5 to 10 years are rather positive; most probably Ghana will
continue to grow as the main drivers underlying growth are likely to improve.
However, the Ghanaian government needs to show its ability to tackle the countries
energy issues and rising inflation. We expect that The Netherlands will remain
among Ghana’s first export destinations and that exports to Ghana from the
Netherlands will continue to grow as fast as in recent years, with steadily increasing
direct investments form the Dutch private sector in Ghana as well. The Netherlands
is already among the top investors in Ghana.

2.2 Institutional context port sector

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is a government body, acting as a

landlord of the port of Tema. Although GPHA adopted a landlord model, the
authority allocates stevedoring companies and directs actively cargo handling (also
for MPS). Most marine services including pilotage, towage and mooring are
provided by GPHA. All in all, the division between responsibilities is perhaps unclear

Pagina 5 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

since GHPA executes cargo handling activities and well as supervisory powers. This
results in a more challenging operational environment to manage the port
effectively due to conflicting interests.

Tema Port
The port of Tema, the larger of two seaports of Ghana is located on the east coast
of Ghana and 21 nautical miles off the north-east coast of the capital city, Accra.
The port of Tema consists of 12 berths. The draughts of these berths are between
8.0 to 10m. As cargo handler, GPHA operates ten multipurpose berths.
Furthermore, GPHA has a joint venture in Meridian Port Services (MPS - container
terminal) for the two larger berths (berths 1 and 2, 11.5m draught).

In 2014, the Tema Port secured funding worth $1.5 billion for expansion. GPHA and
MPS (with Bolloré and APMT) signed an MoU and the finalisation of the contract
between GoG and MPS is expected to be signed mid-2015. With this investment,
the port will be the largest cargo port in West Africa. Also the infrastructure around
the port will get a boost. Part of this public-private-partnership programme is APM
Terminals, based in the Netherlands. The project will take four years to complete.

Takoradi Port
The port can be accessed via the entrance of 150 meters with a depth of 10.5
meters. The port of Takoradi provides four multipurpose berth (with depths ranging
9-10 meters) and three dedicated berths, namely manganese, clinker and oil (with
depths ranging from 5.5-8.7 meters).

Pagina 6 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

Pagina 7 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

3 Port Sector information

3.1 Port performance

Performance measure Port of Tema Port of Takoradi Total

(2013)
Overall traffic (tons, 2013) 12,2 million 5,4 million 17,6 million
Total traffic imports (tons) 10,0 million 1,9 million 11,9 million
Total traffic export (tons) 1,5 million 3,5 million 4,9 million
Transit Traffic (tons) 620,668 38,710 661,391
Cargo (TEUs) 841,989 52,373 894,000
Calls of vessel 1,553 1,364 2,917

In 2013 (for the period January to December), the generated cargo through the
port of Ghana totalled 17,6 million tons – surpassing the previous year records of
16,7 million tons. The total amount of cargo that is imported in Ghana is 11,9
million tons, or 68 percent of total. Export from Ghana encompasses around 4,9
million tons, or 28 percent of the total maritime trade. Comparing this data to the
performance in 2012 depicts an increase of 5,4 percent. The port of Tema handled
69 percent of the total trade, leaving 31 percent up to the port of Takoradi. Total
transit through the ports of Ghana was 4 percent of total.

• Key importing commodities are: clinker, cement, grain, general cargo,

processed food, machinery, and iron/steel.
• Key exporting commodities are: manganese, bauxite, cocoa beans, timber, and
cocoa products.
• Important trade corridors are: Far East (38%), Europe (26%), Middle East
(10%), North America (8%), Inter Africa (18% huge increase).

3.2 Infrastructural connections

Tema
In 2013, the port faced growing traffic congestions in the port area. Reasons are
the lack of traffic flow, insufficient gate capacity, quality of roads and inadequate
hinterland connections.
Firstly, the lack of traffic flow is caused by the inability of manage seasonal peaks.
The port authority does not have a plan to absorb the cyclic traffic flow entering the
port and the goods that exit the port. This concerns peaks in during the summer
and increasing imports heading towards Christmas.
Secondly, the quality of the infrastructure remains a concern causing congestions in
the surroundings of the port. Currently, the roundabouts in Tema lead to a
uncontrolled traffic system of goods from the port area to the motorway. A positive

Pagina 8 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

indication is the planned improvements in road capacity. In 2014, a $1.5 billion

investment has been announced. This project has a road component, aiming to
expand the Tema-Accra motorway to three lanes in each direction. Another planned
improvement is the construction of a new interchange at the Tema Roundabout to
direct the traffic flow entering and leaving the port more efficiently. Another
improvement, GPHA awarded Messrs Louis Berger SAS to design a by-pass towards
the motorway. It should link the port to the motorway with a four-lane dual
carriageway. This aims to decongest the traffic through the urban area of Tema.
Still, this plan needs to facilitate traffic movements by solving bottlenecks instead
of relocating current constraints. The French consulting firm will publish their report
in July 2014.
In closing, the quality of trucks in combination with the two-lane roads
infrastructure remains problematic. It leads to a vulnerable local road infrastructure
used by local traffic as well as cargo carriers.

Thirdly, hinterland connections remain problematic. Failing hinterland connections

create traffic stagnation affecting port operational costs, turnaround time of calling
vessels and the terminal productivity. On the one hand, the Ouagadougou–Tema
road corridor is functioning. On the other hand, hinterland connections still lack
capacity to stimulate more cargo to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The absence of
well functioning rail transport system deteriorates the competitiveness with
neighbouring seaports like Lomé and Abidjan. A railway between Tema and Kumasi
would contribute to transport larger volumes.
In 2013 the government paid attention to the longtime proposed Boankra Inland
Port. This dry port, situated close to Kumasi, would stimulate transport to the
hinterland. In March 2014, the Government of Ghana reviewed the last six
proposals for the Boankra Inland Port and the construction of railway. In May 2014,
the government will choose the winning party in this PPP construction.

Takoradi
The physical infrastructure in terms of roads constrains the traffic flow out of the
port of Takoradi. Two developments are indicated here: the growing traffic flow of
commodities as cocoa, timber, bauxite and secondly the quality of roads. The port
of Takoradi is prone to seasonal peaks in traffic following the campaigns of the
commodities and import demands.
Although the quality of local road infrastructure is reasonable for local standards,
the roads in the city of Takoradi are not well equipped to accommodate traffic.
From the port area towards the hinterland, infrastructure exists out of two-lane
roads. Moreover, cargo needs to pass the urban area which is also used by the
community (taxi’s, moto’s). Besides, the nearby located Lagoon worsens the traffic
heading East for directing towards one specific route, a natural bottleneck. Another
reason, the road system has not been upgraded to absorb the size of traffic.
Combining the limit capacity of two-lane road, local traffic and quality of
trucks/general vehicles, leads to the conclusion that the infrastructure in Takoradi is
prone to serious congestions. Especially the traffic heading eastwards passing
through Sekondi is problematic. In closing, overloaded trucks in Takoradi lead to a
rapid deterioration of the road network in the surrounding area of Takoradi and
Sekondi.
In 2013, GPHA expressed their attention for capacity expansion onshore. In the
coming years, the port of Takoradi is planning to construct two dual-carriageway
roads that will be linked with the local road network. Furthermore, their attention

Pagina 9 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

effectuate in a plan for two roads to link the port to the planned inland container
depot in Nkotompo.

The cargo from and towards Takoradi can be transported by road as well as with
rail. Currently, the railway is mainly used for transporting manganese. This railway
is operated by Ghana Railway Corporation. Last year, the railway suffers a lack of
technical capacity and doubts are prevailing whether the railway is equipped to
meet the increasing traffic of manganese. Problems in this value chain resulted in
uncertainty in the delivery of manganese for exporting this to counties like Russia
and China. The inefficiency leads to higher port costs due to waiting time of vessels.
The total export of manganese in 2013 was 2 million tons.

Currently the large companies in infrastructure in Ghana are: Chinese construction

companies, Julius Berger, France consultants.

Investment Opportunities
This infrastructure segment in the port sector gains more (political) attention and
offers interesting investment opportunities. The key areas for investment are:
• The projects for the Eastern and Western railway as well as the Tema-
Akosombo rail line provide market opportunities for civil engineering, rail
infrastructure and providing information systems. Whereas the infrastructural
construction market in Ghana is dominated by Chinese players, a consortium of
Dutch or European companies would distinguishes itself by its technological
knowledge including a long-term and holistic approach.
• Hiring and selling heavy (mining) equipment for infrastructural construction
works.
• As the French company is conducting the design study for the Tema motorway,
designing and feasibility studies have to be conducted for other infrastructural
projects (e.g. the dual-carriageway in Takoradi).
• For the coming years, there will be a demand for procurement and transaction
advisors for large infrastructural projects. This also concerns the implications of
public private partnerships.
• Other opportunities for consultancy works orientating on managing traffic
congestions in the ports of Tema and Takoradi. A suggestion is to report on
allowing and releasing trucks at night to alleviate the peak traffic during the
day/season. This could result in an effective port plan to speed up deliveries
and manage high traffic peaks.
• Furthermore, a consultancy project would be to improve port operational
efficiency including a truck scheduling system. This entails the establishment of
a system providing more parking and staging areas outside the urban area as
well as an enforcement of the authorization system (including fines and
penalties).

3.2 Port capacity

Tema

The port of Tema reached its limits in terms of facilities for container traffic. Not
only the quay, but also the yard space and warehousing are insufficient.

Pagina 10 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

Firstly, the port of Tema is currently more than saturated with berths capable due
to enough draught. A serious problem is caused because an increasing number of
larger vessels are only able to mourn at the two MPS-berths that have enough
draught and suitable quayside equipment. Subsequently, both berths are constantly
used. Larger vessels occupying MPS-berths result in waiting time (resulting in
anchorage costs) for other vessels to access the port. In 2013, the waiting time for
vessel is about 6 days.
A reason for queuing vessels at the MPS-berths is the availability of adequate ship-
to-shore cranes. The handling capacity for the other 10 berths is scarce; a vessel
should use a deck crane to unload the goods. It will take more time to create a
vacant berth because of the reduced handling movements. Ships do not prefer
other berths since the productivity is lower due to the absence of adequate
equipment and lower skilled cargo handlers. The unavailability of suitable berths
might bring shipping lines to the conclusion to move to neighbouring seaports like
Lomé or Lagos. Currently, the utilization rates for other berths are around 60-70%.
In June 2013, MPS delivered nine gantry cranes at the container terminal. When
operational, the terminal is able to unload vessels faster that will speed-up the
turnaround time.

Secondly, storage of imported goods is directed outside the port because of the
little amount of space behind the first four berths (including the MPS-berths).
Around half of the containers are stored in one of the ICDs outside the port area.
This includes uncleared cargo. As a consequence, this transfer of containers creates
additional costs compared to the storage in the container yard. To avoid this port
inefficiency, physical infrastructure in the port of Tema needs to improve in order to
enlarge the capacity of the port. More space is needed for a proper movement of
the containers and goods.
A weakness of the port of Tema is an easily congested quay side and the
fragmented storage of containers. Consequently, the port is prone to a failure in
finding specific containers because of the stopgap solutions. Whereas container
handling ship-to-shore is functioning relatively well; the use of trailers, reach
stackers in the staking area is lacking. Exemplary is the insufficient amount of
reach stackers per container vessel resulting in delays and a longer vessel
turnaround time.

Thirdly, warehousing and yard space are insufficient to fulfil the growing demands.
An example is the problematic storage facilities for export products: the port lacks
capacity to cool these. In 2013, GPHA aimed to build a new reefer farm consisting
of 800 plugs (current capacity is 630 reefer plugs). Yet the authority cancelled the
construction of this facility. Furthermore, storage areas are not accessible during
the night operations causing inefficiency due to the inability to functionally use
cranes and handling equipment.

In 2013, GPHA began a tender with calls for Expression of Interest. After the
evaluation of initial stage and tender documents, the tender for expansion of the
port of Tema resulted in seven valid bid offers. The scope of the proposed
expansion entails five stages. The first phase focuses on the main basic port
infrastructure (breakwater, dredging to -16 meters and quay wall foundation) as
well as the construction of 5 berths and the other (phases 2, 3 and 4) orientates on
container terminals and food/fruit terminals. The last phase targets the oil and gas
sector (in particular oil rigs market). The bid values range from 489million USD to
over 2 billion USD, depending on planned works over the five phases expressed by
bidders. Finally, GPHA will award the winning bid in May 2014.

Pagina 11 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

The earlier mentioned $1.5 billion investment was announced in 2014 and contains
a project of four years to increase the capacity of the port of Tema. Four deep
water berths will be build and a new channel should give access to larger vessels
with high capacity equipment.

Takoradi

In 2013, the port of Takoradi faced a lack of capacity to accommodate the calling
vessels and to handle trade volumes adequately. Reasons for this incapacity are:
the growing pressure due to increasing cargo traffic, lack of storage facilities and
offshore developments.

The increasing demand of cargo traffic, import and export of bulk and offshore
operations depicts the problem of insufficient draught resulting in lacking berth
capacity. The result, ships have to wait outside the port (offshore waiting time of 3
days) causing an increase of anchorage costs for shipping lines. The draught of four
multipurpose berths range from 9-10 meters. Other dedicated berths (manganese,
clinker, oil) are ranging from 5,5-8,6 meters.
Exemplary for the lack of berth availability is the case of SMT. From February 2014
onwards, the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) and Shipping Management and
Transport (SMT) will conduct transhipment operations in the port of Takoradi. Their
operations will decongest the port and improve berth availability.

The warehouses are managed by GPHA. Except Unicontrol and SIVOM, there are no
private companies owning warehouses in Takoradi. An ongoing port infrastructure
project also affects the capacity of warehouse. It entails the demolition and
reconstruction of port office buildings, the expansion and reconstruction of access
roads, land reclamation and the development of water and electricity facilities. This
150 million USD project is executed by the Chinese contractor, China Harbour
Engineering Company (CHEC). Recently, many warehouses were demolished
causing a lack of storage capacity. Though, this project should be completed in
2016, this will be delayed because of uncertainty about financing options for the
next phase and the role of CHEC.
The yard space in the port of Takoradi is limited. This mainly concerns the relatively
small container terminal which is easily congested. The growth of containerized
traffic urges the port of Takoradi to develop a larger container terminal equipped
with unloading facilities. Some vessels are taking a long time to unload their
cargoes. For example, ship-to-shore cranes are needed to increase the discharge of
the vessel by the operator of the berth. New cranes purchased by GPHA would be
welcomed.

Furthermore, offshore developments (e.g. Jubilee Field and Cape Three Points)
adjacent to the port Takoradi are transforming the current port operations. The
growing oil exploration activities require more dedicated port facilities. Exemplary
for this lack is the fact that many offshore carriers fled to the neighbouring Navy
port of Sekondi. As a consequence, the port of Takoradi spills a significant amount
of cash flow which is desperately needed for realizing further port expansion.

In 2013, the first phase of the Takoradi Port expansion was ongoing. The
operations involve the dredging of the access channel (to 14 meters), extension of

Pagina 12 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

the breakwater, reclamation of a land area of 53,000 hectares, an area for an oil
pipeline and the construction of an oil services terminal.
Firstly, the Belgian dredging company Jan de Nul commenced their operations in
2013 regarding. Their work concerns: dredging the access channel, the extension of
the breakwater to 1,150 meters, and reclamation of land. The dredged material will
be used for the construction of a jetty providing dedicated bauxite and manganese
berths. This will stimulate new exports of this commodities and port revenues.
Secondly, this concerns the construction of an oil supply base. In 2013, a lease
contract for 15 years was signed with Viking and Halliburton. The South-African
company, Murray & Roberts Marine will construct this oil service base. If the port of
Takoradi is able to guarantee offshore companies port efficiency (e.g. turnaround
time for supply boats, anchor handling boats, diving vessels), further expansion is
promising. It would generate necessary cash flow for financing new port expansion.
Besides, the current construction of the Atuabo Freeport is an interesting
development. In case the Atuabo Freeport would be constructed, it will operate as a
private port focusing on providing offshore services. However, the remote situated
Atuabo desperately lack infrastructural accessibility.

Major companies: CMA-CGM, Delmas, Euro Africa Line, Grimaldi, Maersk Line, PIL,
MSC, Safmarine, Supermaritime, UAL, Bolloré, APMT, SMT Shipping, GMT, Tullow,
Halliburton, Viking, Murray & Roberts Marine, GHACEM, DP World.

Investment Opportunities
Key areas to invest are:
• Facing the limits of the port of Tema, the government increasingly urges to
commence port expansions on short term. This entails the construction of a
new container terminal including dredging operations, quayside construction,
quay pavement and breakwater.
• The construction of the offshore supply base in Takoradi creates opportunities
for investments in the construction of this supply base (quayside construction
works and quay pavement) and the offshore services.
• Offshore developments will increase the demand for e.g. supply vessels, anchor
handling vessels, diving vessels.
• In the coming years an upgrade of storage areas is needed. This includes
warehousing, storage yard and an acquisition of port equipment.
• The Ghanaian government welcomes investments in the construction of
petroleum products storage tanks. This consists of the construction of
petroleum products pipelines and strategic storage depots following the start of
production phase of the oil fields.
• An opportunity is a study to establish a system for allocation of transit cargo
directed to Burkina Faso. This entails an electronic trading platform in Tema for
trucking services that provides details of truck availability, congestions and is
easily accessible to other stakeholders.
• Investments in operational equipment for the inlands ports of Boakra and
Buipe. These inland ports will direct cargo from Tema to serve the regions in
the north, as well as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

Pagina 13 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

3.3 Administrative processes

Administrative processes in Tema and Takoradi still create unnecessary delays.

Several reasons for these cumbersome processes are: the complexity (amount of
agencies, the dragging processing due to outdated custom examination and a not
well implemented GCNet.
For all import and export, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenues Authority is
responsible for clearing the goods and handling the administration work with the
shipping agents. The trade inspection company, CoTecna, is responsible the
inspection procedures.

Firstly, the involvement of too many agencies leads to complexity and

subsequently, an obstacle for a swift clearance of goods. The requirement of
standard and regulations of different parties means the administrative process lead
to cumbersome processes. As long as the logistical chain rely on human interface
who has interest to employ too much local people in this profession, these
procedures remain complex.
Secondly, the processes are delayed because administrative documents need to be
handed in hard copy. Till now the administrative processes are time consuming
(paperwork), burdened with petty charges and arbitrary charges slowing down the
process. Paperwork is an obstacle for international competiveness of the port and
diminishes effective physical inspection. All in all, there is a desperate need for a
paperless clearance system which will be fully implemented by April 2014. This
would enhance the process by streamlining and eliminate unnecessary involvement
of local personnel. The underlying system is GCNet. In 2013, this system has been
piloted in port of Takoradi. Yet, this is not completely implemented: the software
for uploading documents is not properly used. Consequently, all documents needed
to be presented in hard copy. This nullifies potential benefit of this software to
speed up the administrative processes by decreasing the complexity. Not only a
successful implementation of the GCNet system would significantly improve the
transactions in the port, also a reliable berthing window scheme would improve the
vessel turnaround time.
Thirdly, positive indications are the extension of working hours in 2013 of the
Customs, which will improve the administrative processes; and the planned
expansion of the Inland Clearance Depots scanners (ICDs) in the port of Tema. The
measures will increase the administrative capacity and speed-up the process of
handling the goods out of the port area.

Investment opportunities:
• A motivation to improve administrative processes is the fact that investments
resolve operational deficiencies easily. These are achieved with limited financial
investment compared to physical infrastructure projects. Still, the efficiency
gains of these improvements are considerable.
• Whereas shipping agents and terminal operators are generally spoken efficient,
the clearing agents and forwarders create delays in the logistical value chain.
Reasons are the lack of capability as well as capacity. Therefore, training is
needed.

Pagina 14 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

3.4 Port Tariffs

The official tariffs of the port of Tema and Takoradi in terms of tug fees, pilot fees,
mooring fees, clearing cargo and port dues are relatively competitive to
neighbouring seaports as Abidjan, Cotonou or Lomé. However, unofficial tariffs
contribute to higher costs of doing business in the ports of Tema and Takoradi. This
includes indiscriminate charges by services providers, consolidators, clearing agents
and others affecting the freight rates for exports and the price level of the imported
commodities. Furthermore, these unofficial tariffs harm the adequate processes of
clearance and releasing cargo documents.

3.5 Lead time

Lead time is an outcome of the level of capacity, infrastructure and administrative

processes in the port. This specifically regards the waiting time for docking, internal
cargo handling, clearing goods (with particular attention of the ICDs in the port of
Tema).
In the port of Tema, MPS handles 80% of the container traffic in the port of Tema.
With 15-20 movements per hour of the ship-to-shore cranes, the productivity is
relatively good compared to other ports in the West African region.

Firstly, although the various parties (including The World Bank) suggested to
privatize stevedoring activities in the ports, this is still not licensed and allocated by
the GPHA. Currently, twelve stevedoring companies are generally operating within a
quota system of cargo handling dividing 75 percent of the total (GPHA handles the
remaining 25 per cent). Although shipping line might express their preferences,
efficiency remains lagging behind due to a lack of competition. The allocating
system precludes an incentive to improve the level of quality in terms of service
providing.

Secondly, ICDs are used to address port congestions and offers potential benefits to
expand handling capacity, increasing trade flow and a quicker clearance and release
of goods. These potential benefits impact terminal performance if ICD are well
utilized. In 2013, the port of Tema faced various difficulties in order to support the
decongestion strategy. The two ICDs are located too close to quay storage area
resulting in delays at the scanner and exit gates. High number of uncleared
containers inside the port forced GPHA to decide that the cargo should temporally
stored outside the port. This emergency measure increased inefficient in the
clearance procedure. In short, to solve the current lack of container scanning
facilities, the container handling equipment needs to be upgrade. There is a need to
acquire 3-5 new ICDs.

All in all, with an average of 16-18 days, the container dwell time in the port of
Tema is improving. In the port of Takoradi the container dwell time is 7 days. Yet
this last port is very prone to congestions and, more important, the stripping of
container within the port area consumes time, uses space and complicates the
movement of goods through the port. Essentially, as the capacity is reached in the
port, stored goods affect the dwell time and delay the movement of cargo raising
the costs for shippers. GPHA upholds a standard resulting in the policy that a
container can be auctioned when it is stored for longer than 21 days in the yard.

Pagina 15 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

This leads to annoyance at the shipping agents and clients knowing the high dwell
time.

• Training of dock workers to work more efficiently and with greater consideration
for safety.
• New ICD-scanners (ranging from 3-5) are requested by the various
stakeholders in the port (terminal operators, shipping lines, agents).

3.6 Regional market position

All seaports in the West African region want to become the logistical hub. This
competition targets to attract international cargo traffic and transit throughput to
landlocked countries. Currently, Ghana still lags behind regional competition, such
as port of Lomé and Abidjan. Various reasons are: the risk of under capacity of both
ports in Ghana, the lack of sufficient competition within the port sector, challenging
macroeconomic and policy frameworks, and important port expansions in Abidjan
and Lomé.
The ports of Tema and Takoradi have serious capacity problems depicted in a
hampered and ineffective transport system. Both ports have reached their limits for
handling increasing cargo volumes due to the poor adaptation to the import-export
traffic demands. New investments are desperately needed in the port as well as in
the road and rail infrastructure to remain competitive. On a regional scale,
competing ports have the opportunity to expand their infrastructural capacity at a
limited cost. Therefore, for example Tema port probably will overrun and cargo will
target neighbouring seaports since other ports have operational capacity to absorb
new cargo flow.
Another reason that diminishes the comparative strength of the Ghanaian ports is
the lack of competition within the ports. A major constrain is the assumed
governing role of the institutional body, currently acting as authority as well as the
operator. This creates in inefficiencies at the port resulting in higher and arbitrary
charges, lack of strategy and time efficiency. At this moment, competitive ports are
benefitting from the postponed implementation of governance reforms.
Further, the weak Ghanaian currency is an outcome of the ongoing challenging
macroeconomic situation affecting the domestic trade flow. In addition, policy
measures taken have burdened day-to-day operations and impacted the
competitive position negatively. Examples are: abolishment of the fuel subsidy,
electricity charge, water charge, GIPC Act, Local Content Bill, 5% NFSL, VAT
increase.
It is recommendable to upgrade the hinterland (railway) connections, establish an
inland port on short term, and attract FDI through privatization of port operations.
Such strategic options will result in port efficiency and keep Ghana on track in
competing for attracting international cargo volumes.

In terms of the main competitors, the ports of Abidjan and Lomé are extending
their capacity to accommodate the increasing trade volumes.
Firstly, the port of Abidjan is regaining traffic since the instability caused by the
political turmoil in 2011 (21,7 million tons and 0,63 million TEUs in 2012).
Unfortunately, the ports in Ghana were unable to structurally take advantage of
this. Consequently, the business oriented approach of the port of Abidjan, a
privately operated Abidjan Container Terminal, and a GDP growth at 9,8% in 2013
added to the renewed growth of cargo throughput (30,5% in 2012). On the longer

Pagina 16 van 22
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

term, Côte d’Ivoire is able to attract new investments to enhance its port capacity.
An example is the second container terminal (or TC2) that will enlarge the port
capacity to 2,3 TEUs annually.
The other regional competitor, the port of Lomé has set its ambition to become the
major transhipment hub in West Africa. Due to Lomé’s natural conditions and
ongoing port expansion project and hinterland connections, Ghana’s ambition of
becoming the regional hub more contended. The draught of 16 meters and the
scheduled completion of the Lomé Container Terminal in late 2013 are decisive
facilities allowing larger container carriers. At the expense of Tema, Lomé will
develop their transhipment activities with a target capacity of 1.5 million TEUs.
Besides the port developments in these neighbouring countries, Ghana fears to
become more isolated in terms of hinterland connections. The current railway
network Abidjan-Ouagadougou might be expanded connecting the route Lomé-
Blita-Ouagadougou.

Certainly, the above mentioned developments focus on the international cargo

traffic and transit traffic, even so domestic economic growth incites further
development of port capacity. Therefore, Ghana’s port sector has a lot of growth
potential deriving from domestic economic growth. At this moment, the ports in
Ghana develop on the premises of growing domestic cargo volumes and increasing
transit throughput. The transport corridors mainly targets Burkina Faso (to a lesser
extent Niger and Mali).
The outlook for the investing in the port sector is promising knowing these are
years for equipping the port to accommodate new trade flows. Exemplary is the
potential of offshore sector as an economic stimulus. In particular the port of
Takoradi could benefit from these developments nationally and regionally by
facilitating an oil services terminal and oil rig repair space. Consequently, the port
will benefit for serving offshore activities in the near located blocs as well as the
West African region to a larger extent.
In short, growth projections in terms of trade volumes and domestic growth for the
3-5 years are favourable. Most probably, Ghana will continue to grow economically
as the main drivers underlying growth are likely to improve. As a result, the ports
in Ghana remain the vehicle of economic growth.

Pagina 17 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

4 Relevant Contacts

Port Development Partnership

Office Ghana
Geert de Jong (NABC)
M: +233 (0)20 287 2307
E: [email protected]

Office The Netherlands

Maudy Keulemans (NABC)
T: +31 (0)70 304 3618
E: [email protected]
W: www.portdevelopmentafrica.com

Port Development Partnership Africa

Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen
Chairman Port of Amsterdam
E: [email protected]
W: www.amsterdamports.com

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority

P. O. Box 150, Tema,
T: +233 (0) 303 202631-39
E: [email protected]
W: www.ghanaports.gov.gh

Ghana Shippers Authority

5th Floor, Enterprise House, High Street
P. O. Box GP 1321, Accra
T: + 233 (0)302 666915-7
W: www.shippers.org.gh

Ghana Maritime Authority

No. E354/3, 3rd Avenue, East Ridge
Ministries Post Office, PMB 34, Accra
T: +233 (0) 302 684392 -3
E: [email protected]
W: www.ghanamaritime.org

Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry

1st Floor World Trade Centre,
Opp. Children's Park, National Theatre-Accra
P. O. Box 2325, Accra
T: 233 (0) 302 662860
E: [email protected]

Pagina 18 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

5 Second line parties

Grimaldi
Managing Director
Tema

Mearsk Logistics Ghana Ltd.

Managing Director
Tema

MOL Ghana Ltd.

Managing Director
Tema

Royal HaskoningDHV
Regional Director
Accra

Ministry of Transport
Accra

Supermaritime
Tema and Takoradi

Pagina 19 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

6 Trade fairs and journals in the coming period

Ghana’s Maritime Trade & Transport Digest

Ghana Shippers’ Authority
Annual publication of the maritime trade statistics in Ghana

Coastal and Maritime Surveillance

Venue Information
Accra International Conference Centre
City: Accra
Date: 17-20th March, 2014

Ghana Oil & Gas Summit 2014

Venue Information
Accra International Conference Centre
City: Accra
Date: 8-10th April, 2014

FLNG Africa Summit 2014

Accra: Accra
Date: 4-6th June, 2014

Subsea Vessels Africa Conference

Venue Information
Labadi Beach Hotel
City: Accra
Date: 9-11th June, 2014

Port Development Partnership seminar

City: Accra
Date: 16-19th June, 2014
More information will be published on www.portdevelopmentafrica.com

Coastal and Maritime Surveillance

Venue Information
Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra
City: Accra
Date: 19-21st November, 2014

Pagina 20 van 22
 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana |

7 Addresses Dutch foreign missions

Marnix Segers
Policy Advisor Trade & Private Sector Development
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
89, Liberation Rd.
Ako Adjei Interchange
P.O. Box CT 1647
Accra, Ghana
T: +233 302 214 358
E: [email protected]
W: www.nlembassy.accra.org

Pagina 21 van 22