Director of Tema Port, Edward Kofi Osei
The Director of Tema Port, Edward Kofi Osei has called on investors to venture into modern bonded cold store warehousing to boost trade at the country’s ports.
He said the construction of bonded cold stores would bring relief to importers and traders.
Mr Osei made this known at the opening of the an ultramodern cold store facility by Overseas Commerce Ghana Limited in Tema to offer a total cool capacity of 50,000 pallet positions on a 415,000-square metre property.
He was optimistic the new bonded cold storage system would help importers save cost.
Boaz Amiel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Overseas Commerce, in his address, said most importers of frozen foods and beverages face challenges when it comes to clearing of their goods at the port.
He added that due to the huge taxes and delays associated with the clearing of goods, most of the products are either left at the mercy of the sun or auctioned to the public, while others with money pay demurrages.
According to him, with the introduction of a modernized bonded cold store warehouse by Overseas Commerce Ghana Ltd, importers will not have to be troubled in the clearing of their goods at the ports when they do not have adequate funds.
The CEO indicated that the $10 million facility will help the company store goods in the cold storage warehouse until they can clear them.
Overseas Commerce Ghana Ltd is an Israeli owned company, which is specialized in bonded logistics.
Officials of the company are hopeful the introduction of the modern bonded cold storage warehouse system at the port would boost the country’s economy through the trade sector.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema