Maritime and Shipping Awards held
The United States (US) government says it will continue to partner Ghana to improve maritime security to reduce trade constraints within the West African trade route.
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According to the Economic Counsellor at the US Embassy in Accra, Mr Jimmy Mauldin, Ghana had the potential to become a trade and logistics hub in Africa, hence the need to ensure trading was safer, more transparent and more efficient in line with the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) trade facilitation agreement.
Mr Mauldin said this at the maiden edition of the Maritime and Shipping Awards held in Accra last Saturday.
The event, put together by NinetyEightz Media, in partnership with stakeholders in the sector, saw 20 companies and individuals being rewarded for their contribution towards the maritime and shipping sector.
The awards sought to reward excellence and promote networking and the competitiveness of businesses within the sector.
Maritime project
The US Coastal and Maritime Security project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Mr Mauldin said the project would assist Ghana to increase its presence in the global trade market by sharing best port security practices which could help Ghana increase its exports to the US.
“I encourage you to continue developing innovative shipping solutions to make Ghana a preferred shipping and logistics hub within West Africa and Africa,” he said.
Awards
The event saw the founder of the Antrak Group, Alhaji Asuma Banda, being presented with a Life Time Achievement award in shipping, while the Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Shipping (Conship), Dr Macdonald Chimandas Vasnani, took home the Maritime Personality of the Year, with McDan Shipping Company Limited being adjudged the Freight Forwarder of the Year.
West Blue Consulting Limited, technical partners for the implementation of the national single window project, won the Technology/Innovations Award (MDA/Consulting category), while the Maritime Education and Training Award went to the Regional Maritime University.
The GPHA’s television programme, Eye on Port, received the Maritime Programme of the Year award, with Guaranty Trust Bank being recognised as the Best Bank in maritime and shipping financing.
The Daily Graphic’s Ms Della Russel Ocloo took the Maritime Reporter of the Year award, while the Business and Financial Times newspaper was adjudged the best media house in Maritime Reporting.
Other award winners were Star Assurance Company Limited, Redsea Maritime Services, Meridian Ports Services (MPS), Antrak Limited, Damco Logistics, UT Logistics and Saladuim Limited.