The 470 tonnes capacity craft, built in Turkey and equipped with marine pollution control, search and rescue, marine salvage, maintenance and repair systems, among other features, has been named after Gordon Anim, former Director of Port, Tema and Takoradi, who served the Authority for 35 years.

MPV Gordon Anim is a state-of-the-art multipurpose vessel, designed to cater to a wide range of maritime operations, from responding quickly to oil spills and other hazardous material discharges at sea to collecting floating debris or waste materials.

The MPV is designed to help address both environmental and operational challenges while improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability across the ports of Tema and Takoradi, and all fishing harbours.

Dynamism

Speaking at the christening ceremony last Friday at Tema, the Director of Tema Port, Sandra Opoku, on behalf of the Director General of GPHA, Micheal Lujuje, said the addition of MPV Gordon Anim to their fleet was not just a testament to the growth and dynamism of Ghana’s port industry but also a clear reflection of the Authority’s commitment to improving operational efficiency, fostering economic growth, and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading maritime hub in the sub-region.

The MPV Gordon Anim

She said over many years now, the Port Authority had shown its determination in showing appreciation towards the contribution, commitment and dedication to duty by past selfless personnel who had in no small measure impacted the Authority, the Port Community and the Shipping industry in general, through various roles.

“It is, therefore, refreshing to have the venerable Gordon Anim and his family in our midst as we honour him this morning.

This should encourage all of us to continue to give our best in the line of duty, so that one day, even when we have left the Authority, our deeds and works will earn us a deserving honour and recognition, just like the one Mr Anim is having today,” she said.

Mrs Opoku gave the assurance that GPHA would continue to create an enabling and business-friendly environment to enable their stakeholders and partners to go about their work and business in the most stress-free manner. 

Capacity

Mrs Opoku said the inauguration of the new craft signified not only an expansion of GPHA’s capacity but also their readiness to embrace the future of maritime trade with advanced technology and sustainable practices.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us also renew our commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction.

“The commissioning of this vessel is a step forward in our shared journey towards achieving these goals and positioning Ghana as a maritime gateway to Africa and beyond,” she said. 

The Authority indicated that throughout Mr Anim’s 35 years of service, he embodied excellence, dedication, and hard work, adding that his legacy at GPHA was one of remarkable contributions that left an indelible mark on the organisation, hence the honour.

Mr Anim expressed appreciation to GPHA for recognising his contribution and expressed the hope that the gesture would inspire the current staff to do more for the organisation.