GPHA D-G seeks removal of COVID-19, VAT levies to attract transit cargo

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has made a compelling case for the scrapping of Value Added Tax (VAT) and COVID-19 levies on transit cargo.
He believes that removing these levies will enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a premier transit hub in the West African sub-region, positioning the country to attract greater international business and strengthen its economic standing.
During a working visit by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to the GPHA headquarters, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono argued that eliminating VAT on transit cargo would not only make Ghana’s ports more attractive to global trade but also generate significant job opportunities.
This, he noted, aligns with the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth through its 24-hour economic policy.

The threat of regional competition
The Director-General underscored the high level of competition in the transit trade market, with neighboring ports such as Lome and Abidjan constantly vying for business.
He warned that any disruption in Ghana’s port operations, particularly through the imposition of additional levies, could drive businesses 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 disclosed that a joint team, comprising personnel from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GPHA, recently traveled to Lome and Abidjan to assess their port systems.
These visits aimed to study operational best practices and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness by streamlining its port operations.

A vision for a modernized port system
Outlining his strategic vision for GPHA, the Director-General emphasized the need for digitalization, organizational resilience, and a corporate culture grounded in discipline, fairness, and teamwork.
He expressed optimism that these initiatives, supported by government agencies, would propel GPHA to new heights in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, he assured stakeholders that investigations were ongoing regarding some missing trailers.
He emphasized that due process would be followed, and once investigations were concluded, all culprits would be held accountable.

Removal of VAT and COVID-19 levy
In response to the call for tax relief, Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe expressed his commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the removal of the VAT and COVID-19 levies.
He emphasized that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, remains dedicated to revitalizing the country’s economy, identifying the maritime and port sectors as critical pillars in this strategic agenda.
He also commended Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono’s leadership and urged GPHA staff and management to support his vision in advancing the Authority’s mission.

Tour of port facilities and infrastructure expansion
As part of his visit, Minister Nikpe and his delegation toured key port facilities, including Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Tema Shipyard.
Discussions centered on expanding port infrastructure to accommodate increasing trade volumes, improving operational efficiencies, and exploring necessary industry reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s maritime sector.
Accompanying the Minister were the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Mabel Sagoe, and other senior officials.
This visit forms part of a broader initiative to tour agencies under the Ministry’s oversight, fostering closer collaboration and gaining firsthand insight into ongoing developments within the transport and maritime sectors.
With Ghana’s ports poised for modernization and enhanced global relevance, these policy and infrastructure initiatives mark a critical turning point in the country’s efforts to establish itself as a premier transit hub in the sub-region.