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GPHA commissions 4 new craft …names them after retired staff
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.
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
