For close to 2 decades since its advent into the shipping and maritime environment in Ghana, the name of Meridian Port Services (MPS) has become synonymous to superior industry standards.
As a company that thrives in excellent service delivery through innovation and utilising the power of technology, MPS has over the years carved a niche for itself in the deployment of Quality, Health, Safety and Security & Environment (QHSSE) ideals in its operations.
At the 5th Ghana Shippers Awards held last Friday, MPS won the company with ‘Excellence in Health, Safety & Environment and Quality Award’. This award category is given to companies that had, in the year under review, significantly demonstrated to be responsible for introducing effective safety measures producing demonstrable improvements in occupational health and safety or risk reduction.
Award procedure
Following MPS’ nomination, an independent assessor visited and inspected MPS QHSSE facilities as part of the procedure for companies in the category. After a thorough audit session in the top four category with other competent organisations, MPS emerged the winner of the award.
The Ghana Shippers Awards is organised by the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA). It is a premier awards event which showcases on a national scale excellence and innovation; and provides a platform to recognise individuals and companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of the industry while recognising the key functions within the industry that promote growth and sustainability.
MPS QHSSE achievements
To further entrench its already existing compliant management standards, MPS introduced the Integrated Management System (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 standards) in 2020. Since the introduction of these standards, MPS furthered its efforts to streamline in-house implementation, monitoring and evaluation procedures in line with Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety. With management input and staff participation, MPS conducts routine reviews of procedures to ensure better understanding of processes and regulations to enhance productivity.
MPS has, since 2007 when it started operations, advocated for safety on all levels; and has since developed and implemented various safety initiatives and policies. Notable among them is the ‘Pedestrian Free Policy’ which eliminates the risk of man-machine interface in operations. The policies implemented by MPS are compliant with the ISPS rules and regulations (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code)
MPS has also demonstrated sterling leadership in its environmental strides, hence, its buildings being EDGE certified. MPS received multiple Certifications of Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) as per the standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), whereby the Administrative and the Workshop buildings successfully passed all requirements. By this, the MPS Workshop Maintenance Building becomes the first light industrial building to be EDGE Certified in Africa.
The MPS Terminal 3 is also labelled a Green Terminal
In all chapters of the Green Terminal evaluation, MPS recorded an impressive 86.58 percent score which echoes the Shareholders’ commitment to environment in terms of reducing CO2 emissions among many others. The inspiring 86 percent audited score awarded MPS a remarkable ‘Two Stars’ Green Terminal ratings. This is a major achievement and the highest scored points in the evaluation among several affiliated Ports in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
The company was also recognised on the same night as a major industry player for its contribution to the advancement of the shipping and logistics in Ghana, and its significant effect on the improvement on the quality of services offered to shippers – which has enhanced the convenience of doing business at the Port of Tema.
Commenting on the awards, Mr. Frank Ebo Brown, the Head of Legal and Compliance, who led the team to receive the awards, stated: “It is good to be recognised for the hard work that we put into delivering excellence. For us, the goal is not to win awards but to provide top-notch service to our stakeholders in the most safe and secure way. These awards are a great acknowledgement of our track record of excellence and its contribution to Ghana’s economic growth.
Mr. Brown further commended the Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Department, led by Mr. Kingsley Ameyaw, for their contributions to achieving the vision of the company.
At the helm of the MPS Terminal’s strides in this sector is the CEO, Mr. Mohamed Samara, who has consistently shown leadership in championing the safety agenda. In his affirmations, he said: “We, management and staff of MPS, have a high regard for Health, Safety, Environment, and recognise the need to deliver in a safe, timely, efficient and competitive manner”.
The 5th edition of the Ghana Shippers Awards gathered over 200 guests from the Ghanaian government, Shipping, Logistics and Maritime Industry.
