As part of preventive measures to avert the spread of coronavirus also known as COVID-19, Management of the Port of Takoradi has begun the screening of all port users at the entrance and exit point of the port.
Management has also ensured the availability of running water, soaps and hand sanitizers at all establishments within the enclaves of the Port of Takoradi as part of efforts to enhance hygiene procedures.
The Medical Services Department of GPHA, has designated some staff to be specially trained as front line health officers to deal with all cases related to the coronavirus.
In the meantime, in addition to sensitization exercises, the Takoradi Port has designated two separate holding areas to address potential cases of the coronavirus.
Simultaneously, GPHA has suspended the intake of cruise vessels, port tours and academic internships due to the COVID-19.
A GPHA Interagency Emergency Preparedness Committee on COVID-19 has also been set up to structure more effective standards of operating in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier in Tema, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority in collaboration with the Port Health Unit of the Ghana Health Service, embarked on a sensitization drive within the port community to educate stakeholders on the new coronavirus emerging from the Far East, with special focus on its prevention.
The month long sensitization campaign saw the allied team of health experts educate members of the fishing community, employees of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority at the various operational and administrative departments, stakeholders of GPHA including the customs Division of the GRA, the Meridian Ports Services, the Ghana Dock Labor Company, the Tema Shipyard, the Shipping Lines, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, transport unions and freight forwarders as well as workers who work in and around the port enclave with the objective that all people who engage in some form of interactions in the port community are well informed about the disease.
The various groups of people were guided on precautionary measures against coronavirus infection including good hygiene practices and the wearing of nose masks and gloves for workers who go aboard vessels.
GPHA took the awareness program a notch higher, by training front-line officials from the Marine Operations Department, Fire and Safety Department, the Transport Department and the Tema Shipyard who directly encounter travelers to the port, as part of preventive measures.
In addition, all entry and exit points at the Port of Tema, Golden Jubilee Terminal, GPHA headquarters, Tema Port Administration Block among other places have been screening staff and other port users before they are allowed into the Authority’s building.
Again, hand sanitizers, water and soap have been available to staff and port users for use.