A group picture of the retired personnel and their families and some dignitaries

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has commissioned four marine crafts christened after four former members of staff who worked with dedica­tion.

They include a former Director of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Jacob Kwabla Adorkor, a former Gener­al Manager for the Fishing Harbour, Kumi Adjei-Sam, a former Director of the Port of Takoradi, Captain Joseph Eric Quansah and a Director of Port of Takoradi, Captain Edmund Deri Ziem.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr Frederick Obeng Adom and high profile officers of GPHA.

The boats are made up of two pilot boats named Capt Edmund Deri Ziem, and Kumi Adjei-Sam both deceased and would transport maritime pilots between the shore and the inbound or outbound ships they are piloting.

They would also ensure that pilots could efficiently and safely embark and disembark from vessels as they navigate through the ports and harbours under the jurisdiction of the GPHA.

The security patrol boats on the other hand which adds up to the infrastructure of the in­stitution would enhance port operations and avert threats such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, piracy, and unauthorised access to sensitive areas.

Addressing guests at the commissioning, the Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom said the boats would boost the operational capacity of the Ports of Tema and Takoradi, adding that the investment would translate into having more business from clients.

He observed that this would ensure a quick turnaround time for vessels while enhancing GPHA’s capacity to be able to receive modern container vessels and bulk carriers.

The Director General of the GPHA, Mr Michael Achagwe Luguje expressed appre­ciation to the retired personnel for their commitment and dedication that contributed to the significant achievements of the port community.

He said it was a tradition for the GPHA, to recognize staff whether dead or alive for their hard work and dedicated service.

One of the beneficiary retired staff, Mr. Adorkor thanked the port and urged the youth to take a cue from the gesture and give their best while in service.

In an interview with The Spectator he said, he was happy and proud that one of the crafts had been named after him and three others.

He described it as a rare honour for people to work with an institution and years later invited to be recognised in such an extraordi­nary way.

He therefore encouraged the youth to do their best even when it looked like no one was watching them because it would pay off at the end of the day.