Remove COVID-19 Levy, VAT on transit cargo — Acting GPHA boss

The acting Director-General (D-G) of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has advocated the removal of Value Added Tax and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo.

He said such a move would significantly enhance Ghana's competitiveness as a premier transit hub in the West African sub-region, position the country to attract greater international businesses and strengthen its economic standing.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono made the call yesterday when the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, paid a familiarisation visit to the GPHA headquarters in Tema.

The minister was accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials from the ministry

The acting D-G of GPHA argued that removing VAT on transit cargo would not only make Ghana's ports more attractive in global trade but also create substantial job opportunities, support the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and align with its 24-hour economy policy.

He stressed that the transit trade market was highly competitive, with neighbouring ports such as Lome and Abidjan constantly vying for business.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono suggested that any disruption in Ghana’s port operations, particularly through the imposition of additional levies, could result in businesses shifting to alternative regional ports. 

“Since the cargo in question is not destined for Ghana, it stands to reason that removing these VAT levies would not only boost business, but also generate additional employment opportunities,” he stated.

Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono further revealed that a joint team, comprising personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GPHA, had recently travelled to Lome to assess their port systems.

This followed a similar visit to Abidjan, where the team studied operational practices in an effort to enhance Ghana’s own port competitiveness and streamline its operations.

Vision

Outlining his strategic vision for the authority, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono highlighted key areas of focus, including the digitalisation of operations, building organisational resilience and fostering a corporate culture grounded in discipline, fairness and teamwork.

He expressed optimism that these initiatives, coupled with support from government agencies, would propel GPHA to new heights of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Stakeholders

In his response, Mr Nikpe expressed commitment to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the removal of VAT and COVID-19 levies.

He emphasised that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, remained dedicated to revitalising the country’s economy, with the maritime and port sectors identified as critical pillars in the strategic agenda.

He also commended Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono’s leadership, and urged GPHA staff and management to rally behind him to advance the authority’s mission.

The minister and his entourage visited Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Tema Shipyard where he discussed efforts aimed at expanding port infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and exploring necessary partnerships to strengthen the country’s maritime sector.

Writer's email; Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh