The role of journalists and journalism in building a nation and specifically institutions cannot be overemphasize.
Every Institution or establishment requires the input of the journalists to disseminate information to both the external and internal public of that establishment, be it companies or a nation at large.
It is for these reasons that Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority annually engage senior journalists and editors of all relevant media houses in Ghana to interact, inform and expose the authority to scrutiny by the top journalists in order to deepen transparency in doing business at the Port.
This year, the gathering witnessed senior journalists and editors including Randy Abbey, Kwesi Prat Junior, reigning journalist of the year Kwame Sefah Kai*, Managing Director of Graphic Communications Ransford Tetteh, Ebo Quansah, Alhaji Bature Iddrisu, Kwabena Kwakye, David Agbenu, Alhaji Gomda, Fortune Alimi, Peter Serenye, Eric Ahianyo, Nana Aba Anamoah and Samson Lardi Ayinene.
Also present were Nana Yaa Konadu, Ken Korankyi, Larry Dogbe, Richard Dela Sky, Vivian Kai, Umaru Sanda, Kweku Temeng, Nhyira Addo, Abdul Mommen, Manaseh Awuni Azure, Yaw Obeng Manu and a host of others.
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Paul Asare Ansah engaged senior editors in the country to thank them for their support for the year 2017 and also spell out his vision for the authority in the year 2018.
The interaction was also used to solicit support from the senior journalists who are noted for enhancing the quality of public debate and shaping public opinion about organizations by providing facts and figures.
Paul Ansah said even though the year 2017 has been challenging measures were put in place to empower Ghanaians to effectively participate in port development.
Paul Ansah also said the Port Authority is committed to getting an alternative source of funding port infrastructure without government’s sovereign guarantee and foreign aids.
“If we lose our guard, everything would go into foreign hands. It is happening along the West African sub region, almost in every port, container terminals are monopolized by European companies. But we are determined to ensure effective participation of Ghanaians,” he emphasized.
He said by the end of 2018, the Ports will have a fully complete automation process.
Whiles proceeding with the ongoing Tema Port expansion project, Paul Ansah said the authority will also diversify its operations.
“We are going to see more promotion into the transit andtransshipment business. We are going introduce a feeder services and we are expanding the port. We are not just expanding the port to increase imports but we are expanding the port to create the capacity that is required to accommodate any acceleration in the export sector,” he elaborated.
The senior editors and journalists also raised issues on how to improve the Port Business in Ghana.
The journalists commended the Director General’s effort in transforming Ghana’s Port and recognizing media as an important stakeholder in institutional and nation building.