THE IMPACT OF ICT ON THE CLEARING OF GOODS AT GHANA PORTS: A STUDY OF TEMA AND TAKORADI PORTS

The emerging requirements for freight transportation lead the logistic sector to focus on the implementation of integrated information systems to improve the provided services (Caris et al., 2008). Therefore, it is imperative to develop and integrate new security solutions related to customs operations. Modern ICT tools help to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and disseminate information. Moreover, ICT makes possible to know the state of the system in real time and therefore to manage and change on-line paths, vehicle flows, orders and deliveries. The population for the study was basically the management staff, administrative and Information Communication Technology staff at the Tema Ports, with a sample size of 60. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for the completion of the work. Some of the findings suggested that moderate impact of ICT signifies that ICT is re-shaping the logistics system from traditional methods to modern logistics. Also ICT has been more progressive and contribute in increasing the efficiency of urban goods transport. Recommendation made suggested that Government needs to promote a sharing of knowledge about the use and the role of ICT in logistics with the private sector by facilitating a demonstration of technological solutions, experiments and diffusing best practices that requires national, regional, and international approaches that adapt to the international developments in the industry itself.