A send-off ceremony has been held for the outgoing Director of Takoradi Port, Capt. Ebenezer Kojo Afadzi, at the Kampil Yard at Takoradi Port.
The colourful ceremony attracted management and staff of both Takoradi and Tema Ports, security agencies and organisations among others.
In his remarks, Capt. Afadzi said there have been significant accomplishments and pleasant memories during his tenure: “I was handed over 820 staff, managers and officers together with a junior staff contrast of over 830.
He said from 2015 finances of the port picked up: “We had started making some profits due to introduction of the oil and gas section and its related tariff by my predecessor, Capt. James Owusu-Koranteng. We are raking in some good profits, not only from oil and gas but from all operations.”
He pointed out that despite the profits, there are lots of debts to be paid due to numerous expansion works in Port Takoradi.
He thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Dramani Mahama among others for the confidence reposed in him as outgoing Director of Port.
“Heads of department, managers and staff of the Port, please support the new Director of Port to succeed. To the new Director of Port, my advice is always endeavour to carry your team along in your decisions if you want to go far; for our elders say ‘if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together’. However, leadership can sometimes be very lonely; so always remember to seek strength, guidance and wisdom from the Almighty God,” he added.
Career History
He started his career as a Navigation Officer on Merchant Ocean Going Vessels in 1990, working at sea for nine years. He joined the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in July 1999 as a Pilot Trainee and passed out in 2000 as a Pilot. In 2002 he became a Senior Pilot, and in 2005 a Chief Pilot. In 2013, he rose to the position of Harbour Master; and in 2015 he was appointed to the high office of Director of Port Takoradi.
Achievement
Under his tenure, there was completion of the automated Dry Bulk Terminal project, new Liquid Bulk Terminal project, ATS Container and Multipurpose Terminal projects, GPHA Takoradi Hospital Children’s ward and laboratory block projects; as well as sod-cutting for the ongoing construction of the Oil and Gas Terminal, Prime Meridian Dock Floating Dock and ultra-modern Hospital Diagnostic Centre projects.
On Corporate Social Responsibility, there were projects for the people of New Takoradi community; including an accommodation block for a stationed doctor, medical officer and nurses; a workshop for members of the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association; and a fence-wall for the Methodist Primary and JHS School in the community as well as ongoing construction of footbridges between the Lower and Upper New Takoradi communities among others.
New Director of Takoradi Port
Peter Amoo-Bediako, the new Director of Takoradi Port commended the outgoing Director of Port for the cordial working relationship he has had with management and staff over the years.
He was thankful to President Akufo-Addo, management and staff for the confidence reposed in him to act as Director of Port.
“Always remember that your views and observations on how to serve a better way will continually be sought by management,” he said, and called on all to rally behind him for growth and development of the port.
