By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has completed installation of a vessel traffic management information system to improve how ships are monitored as they move through the country’s waters.
According to Justice Awosonviri Akodia, Corporate IT Manager-GPHA, the system will begin full use soon.
“By next week, the responsible department may start using it fully. It provides extended surveillance of the port area and waterfront, so that we will be able to track all vessels moving through our waters,” he said during an interview with Eye on Port.
As part of efforts to improve safety and ease operations, Mr. Akodia said the Authority is also getting ready to upgrade its gate automation system.
This is expected to reduce the workload of port security staff, who currently have to manually inspect some documents before letting vehicles and goods through the gates. According to him, the new system will also help reduce delays and human errors at the port entrance.
In recent years, GPHA has rolled out several other digital tools to help make work faster and safer. These include CCTV cameras placed across the port to monitor cargo, equipment, ships and people using the port. Drone technology is also in use to help security teams survey large areas of the port more efficiently.
Furthermore, he noted that to ensure only authorised people access certain zones, the Authority has installed access control systems.
“There is also a Master Terminal operating system, which helps port workers know where dangerous goods – like chemicals and other hazardous cargo – are stored. This system makes it easier to act quickly in case of a safety issue,” Mr. Akodia elaborated.
To help the environment, he said GPHA has started using F-SENSE equipment to track air pollution at two locations within the port; and data collected is helping the Authority measure pollution levels in a bid to support the country’s efforts to meet global sustainability goals.
On the health front, GPHA has moved away from paper-based medical records by setting up a Hospital Management System (HMS). Mr. Akodia explained that this system helps staff and port users get quicker medical attention without going through slow, manual processes.
To stay safe online, he moreover said the Authority has trained many staff on cybersecurity threats like phishing, malware and ransomware.
“New staff are now required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy when they join. GPHA has also introduced multi-factor authentication to add extra security when accessing its digital systems,” he added.
With more machines powered by electricity, he said, the Authority has also invested in modern fire detection and suppression systems. These are now part of all new facilities and help staff quickly detect and respond to electrical fires, which can be very dangerous.
