Tema Port to Introduce Scheduling System for Clinker Imports

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) will soon introduce a scheduling system to regulate the arrival of clinker vessels at the Tema Port, as part of measures to ease congestion caused by rising imports for cement manufacturing companies.

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, announced this on Friday after a tour of the Port with the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare.

Mr Nikpe explained that the new system will prevent multiple shipments from docking simultaneously and ensure smoother vessel turnaround.

The Minister noted that GPHA has already completed dredging works on three berths allocated to clinker importers and is adding a fourth berth as a temporary measure to facilitate faster discharge.

He encouraged cement manufacturers to secure holding areas close to the port to speed up evacuation of discharged clinker and suggested that the Port of Takoradi could serve as an alternative hub to ease pressure on Tema and minimise demurrage charges.

“These measures are part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce congestion at the Port of Tema,” he said.

The GPHA Director‑General, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, confirmed that one of the bulk jetty berths has been dredged from 10 metres to 14 metres, enabling larger bulk carriers to dock.

He added that a window system will be introduced to ensure vessels berth only at their scheduled time, a move expected to improve turnaround and reduce waiting periods.

On her part, Madam Ofosu‑Adjare assured that her Ministry will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and GPHA to support clinker importers, stating that efficient port operations are important to stabilising costs in the cement industry.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD