Seal revenue loopholes at port for nation to earn more revenue- Security Coordinator

Lieutenant Colonel Ben Agubogo (Rtd), National Security Port Co-ordinator on Thursday called on security personnel of the country's ports to seal loopholes that promote dubious deals to enable the nation generate revenue for development to ensure progress without falling on outside assistance.

“If we are able to secure all the revenue that these ports generate without the usual loss and leakages, we may not need to travel outside begging for money to move this country forward in the right directions,” he stated.

Lt. Col. Agubodo made the call when he reviewed a parade mounted by the security personnel of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) at Tema which also marked the out-dooring of their camouflage uniform.

He noted that security at the port has improved in recent times due to their invaluable contributions and admonished them to maintain high standard and continue to exhibit high sense of duty and professionalism.

He expressed optimism that the security personnel trained by the First Battalion of Infantry would not do anything that would disappoint the nation.

Mr. Nestor Galley, Acting Director General of GPHA noted that, mindful of the needed security, management has taken stringent measures to prevent negative activities which were also in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

He mentioned the installation of close circuit television to monitor vehicular and human activities around the port, GCnet systems for monitoring of transaction by all stakeholders to minimize the numerous threats to revenue mobilization.

Others are the installation of the automatic identification system for tracking vessel movements and transit goods, the scanning systems as well as the fencing of the entire port.

The Ag DG reminded them that their performance would serve as public relations and an incentive to customers of the port, saying that good security in the ports is one of the major determinants for use of the port to make it a preferred one in the sub-region.

Mr. Galley therefore urged the security personnel to close their ranks and weed out undesirable elements from the port to make it safe for genuine commercial activities to thrive.

“You must respect yourselves, your career and the Authority”, he cautioned, reminding them to maintain a conducive security environment in order to promote trade facilitation through the port and ensure that it continue to become the most preferred port and the maritime gateway to West Africa.

GNA