The maritime industry of Ghana: Role of our ports, challenges and key lessons from successful maritime nations

Date

2015-4

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Abstract

Ghana as a nation largely enjoys natural resources endowment. Resources include gold, cocoa, bauxite, diamond and (in more recent times) oil. However, one resource that is largely understated and underplayed in terms of importance and role is Maritime Resource Endowment (MRE). Maritime Resource Endowment is the proximity of a country to a coastline which allows for the presence of a maritime industry. This study aims to identify the role of our ports in the growth and development of the Ghanaian economy. The main aim of this research was to identify major challenges being faced by the maritime sector. A comparative study was also employed using successful maritime examples that faced similar challenges and were able to overcome them. This study gathered information through the use of archival and literature analysis. Certain major stakeholders were not left out as their views were culled through semi structured interviews. Data collected through interviews and literature analysis was merged to come out with the findings of this research. From the research done, countries like Singapore and The Netherlands have taken certain steps such as huge investment in human resource and infrastructural developments. This study in conclusion highly recommends the methods employed by the developed maritime nations i.e. Singapore and the Netherlands to the relevant Ghanaian authorities as a source of framework in drawing up effective maritime policies for the country.

Description

Thesis submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University College, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, April 2015

Keywords

Ghana, maritime industry, ports, resource, development, economy, maritime policies

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