AFRICA

Raising the roof in Tema

21 years ago

Ghanas local stevedores association has appointed a lawyer to object to a concession granted to SDV and AP Moller to run the new Tema container terminal. The local stevedores say the procedure has not been transparent and that the process, involving a state asset, didnt go to open tender as prescribed by the procurement board. They will also be inviting the World Bank look at the process.

The local stevedores were originally encouraged when investing in their operating licences, to also make investments in cargo handing equipment and other assets.

The original idea was to grant licences to different operators and allow market forces to set prices with no central price control. At present it looks as if price controlled rates set by government will just pass from the state operator to a single private consortium which will be able to maintain artificially higher rates through their monopoly situation.

The Maritime and Dockworkers Union has also expressed concern about the possible collapse of local stevedoring companies and loss of jobs when the new Ghana Port Services Consortium becomes fully operational; and also at the huge loss of revenue to Government. The union also questions why, given the governments reported investment of US$60m, they are only retaining a 30% share given that AP Moller and SDV, with minimal investment, jointly own 70%.