Private participation in the Tema Port container terminal and its implications for stevedoring companies in Ghana

Abstract

Containerisation has gradually become a dominant method of moving cargo the world over since its introduction in the 1960s and so has investment in container terminals. Container terminals form a central part of the transport infrastructure and its development leads to the overall development of the port system. The appointment of the Ghana Port Services Consortium (GPSC) to own and manage the container terminal under a 20 year build operate and transfer scheme (BOT) scheme will immensely affect the local stevedoring industry. The stevedoring industry in Ghana in itself has undergone a lot of changes including redefinition of its activities to include some aspects of shore handling. Some anticipate a brighter future for this partnership to the industry. They believe that GPHA has embarked on a potentially viable and successful project with the Consortium. This is because the participation of the multinationals such as A. P. Moeller Maersk in such a venture will help the international financial institutions view the project in a more positive way and also make future expansion easier since there will be ready support from such financial institutions. Mention can also be made of technology transfer from these acclaimed maritime kingpins to their Ghanaian counterparts. However this transfer will not reach the local companies since they are outside the Consortium. Ghana aspires to become a hub port in the sub region and is therefore investing in infrastructural developments to enhance its (port's) image. However, people believe it must not sacrifice the interest of its local industry in order to achieve its aim.