The Ghana Supply Company Limited (GSCL) is set to undertake the construction of a $60 million state-of-the-art total logistics centre at the free zone enclave in Tema.
The centre, whose sod cutting is expected to commence within the next two months will comprise oil tank farm, container terminal, various types of warehouses and a general cargo parking area.
The Managing Director of GSCL, Dr. Joseph Manboah-Rockson announced this at a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GSCL and Oreport Pty Limited of South Africa, a leading global trading company in Accra, over the weekend.
He stated: “Sod cutting for the state-of-the-art facility at the Tema free zone will commence within the next two months. We have communicated that to our sector ministry (Ministry of Finance) already”.
Touching on the intention of the MoU, Dr. Manboah-Rockson explained that the GSCL was to elicit commercially feasible supply opportunities in Ghana and offer same to Oreport of South Africa.
Dr. Manboah-Rockson added that, the intention of the two companies were to procure sufficient security for payment of goods and services to Oreport’s satisfaction; clearing and forwarding of goods supplied by the South African firm under such opportunities, as well as providing inland total logistics and delivery of goods in Ghana.
Oreport on its part, he noted, would provide $3 million for joint use by Oreport and GSCL; provide trade finance required for the supply of goods and services thereof; source goods and services identified in the opportunity; and conveyance of goods from anywhere in the world to Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Dr. Manboah-Rockson, who signed for the company, recalled that GSCL had over 50 years gained experience in delivering efficient and competitive shipping, clearing and forwarding services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private sector oganisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The state-owned company also handles the Ghanaian government permits and exemptions for clearing of goods that are duty free such as tractors, fertilizers and other related goods under that classification.
“Therefore, this collaboration (to work together) between Oreport and GSCL is the beginning of good things for both GSCL and the country as a whole.
With this MoU, monetary support and commitment from Oreport, GSCL will once again takes its place globally as the total logistics provider of choice for MDAs, a supply of goods and services to MDAs and the Government of Ghana (because of our bulk-buying-power; provide swift procurement services and other related services to the government and the Ghanaian public and can adequately pre-finance the clearing of goods and services from the ports for MDAs, private sector organisations, NGOs and the general public and to avoid demurrage in most cases”.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Oreport, Vule Nemukula was excited about the dealing as it would further lead to many great things in Africa.
The largest shareholder of Oreport, Moyikwa Sisulu added: “We are keen to developing the African market for the benefits of our people. The deal also forms part of our pan-African growth agenda”.
The Head of Project and Finance Analysis Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Sampson Nortey who witnessed the MoU, urged the GSCL and Oreport to work together to ensure that the MoU comes to fruition.
African Eye News.com
