A distinguished delegation hailing from Amsterdam, comprising senior officials, business leaders, and Port of Amsterdam executives, led by Mr. Koen Overtoom, CEO of Port Amsterdam, paid a fruitful visit to Meridian Port Service Ltd (MPS) at Tema Port. This visit served as a unique opportunity for the delegation to acquaint themselves with the port facility and operations at MPS Terminal 3 and explore the potential adoption of best practices within their respective organizations.

In his presentation, Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of Meridian Port Services Ltd, elaborated on the strategies employed to unlock the vast trade potential of the African continent, with a particular focus on the development of critical infrastructure for the future. He also highlighted the recent acquisition of cranes and the ongoing expansion project undertaken by the company.

“Infrastructure development should always precede market growth, as exemplified by MPS in the Tema Port,” said Mr. Samara. “MPS aspires to use this infrastructure to connect Ghana and Africa to the global trade network. Despite the challenges associated with intra-African trade, there lies an abundance of untapped potential. I urge you to share with your networks back home that there are investment opportunities waiting to be harnessed.”

Mr. Curtiss Dakpogan, Chief Operations Officer at MPS, emphasized the company’s dedication to implementing a lean thinking approach among its staff over the past year.

“LEAN thinking is a mindset that encourages individuals to identify waste, solve problems, and maximize available resources,” explained Mr. Dakpogan. “Since implementing this approach last year, we have witnessed significant improvements in our processes, leading to enhanced efficiency. Ultimately, the skills acquired through this program can also be applied to individuals’ personal lives.”

The Amsterdam delegation expressed their positive impressions of MPS’s efficient operations, highlighting the advanced level of digitalization and robust security measures in place to safeguard cargo. They commended MPS for maintaining collaborative relationships with various stakeholders within the port community.

Mr. Marcel Stappers, West Africa Area Manager for the Port of Amsterdam and the facilitator of the visit, highlighted the significant and visible transformations that MPS has undergone in the past year. Having left Ghana three years ago after spending 20 years there, he spoke from personal experience about the remarkable developments he has witnessed in MPS over the years. Mr. Stappers emphasized, “I visited MPS Terminal 3 exactly one year ago, and the progress is truly remarkable. Recognizing that the MPS Terminal 3 facility is enhancing Africa’s access to international trade will undoubtedly facilitate business opportunities between Africa (Ghana) and the Port of Amsterdam.“

Mr. Samara also stressed the importance of establishing a full economic zone to stimulate the local economy.

“We have seen successful examples of economic zones transforming nations, and fortunately, Tema Port is strategically located with a tide-free facility. This presents a unique opportunity to benefit both the economy and the broader West African region. Additionally, the region boasts a youthful population that can serve as valuable resources within this economic zone.”

The visit by the Amsterdam delegation showcased the strong potential for collaboration and mutual growth between the Port of Amsterdam and MPS at Tema Port.

Following discussions centred on the best standards employed by MPS, business executives of Resigha Ghana, a cocoa sourcing company who were part of the delegation toured the MPS Terminal to observe operations and to further understand the cargo transportation process.

The Port of Amsterdam, one of the five key ports in the Netherlands and MPS Terminal 3 share common values and interest in promoting sustainability and safety within the port environment.