The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has clarified that the clearance of all types of goods at the country’s sea ports is in progress despite the restrictions of movement of persons imposed in parts of the country in the wake of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Saturday, 21st March, 2020, in a announcing a partial lockdown, said all cargoes can move in and out of the country.

Last month, the Authority suspended all cruise vessels heading to Ghana as part of measures to stem the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in Ghana.

In a statement issued on 9th April, 2020, the Authority said, it is expediting the clearance process for all port users to clear their goods from the various sea ports.

“The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) wishes to inform the public that the Authority and its partners are facilitating the clearance of all goods through the sea ports of Ghana during the lockdown and not just what is being speculated as essential items,” the statement noted.

The Authority also implored all port users to adhere to the measures put in place, as port users will also be given special passes to enable them access the port to clear their goods due to the partial lockdown.

“Importers, cargo owners, freight forwarders and all port users who have goods to clear from Ghana’s ports, are entreated to undergo needed processes and clear their goods, until and unless there is any executive correspondence to the contrary,” it said.

“However, in adherence to the social distancing rule, every individual who is eligible to transact business at the Port will be given a special permit by the GPHA. Customs will also issue special passes to Freight Forwarders and Importers,” it added.

Meanwhile, trading at the country’s various ports is expected to decline as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Partial Lockdown

President Akufo Addo, on Friday, 28th March 2020,declared a two-week partial lock-down of Accra, Tema and Kumasi to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana.

Currently, Ghana has 387 cases of COVID-19 with 6 deaths and 3 recoveries.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com