Dr Kofi Mbiah eulogises Alhaji Asoma Banda

Dr Kofi Mbiah, a Maritime Law Consultant, has eulogised the late Alhaji Asoma Banda for his contribution to the maritime sector, noting that he was widely acknowledged in the European shipping circles.

Dr Mbiah stated that, “he was forthright and demonstrated dexterity in his handling of intricate and delicate issues. Such was his prowess that he was widely acknowledged in the European shipping circles.”

This was contained in a tribute to the business and transport mogul, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema.

“I recall that at a meeting in Houston, while we sat at a round table conference, after I had introduced our team, some of the white folks at the table asked me, ‘Is this The Banda?” he said, adding that, “undoubtedly, his name preceded him. They were into shipping and had heard so much about him and were exhilarated to be on the same table with him.”

He noted that Ghana had lost a business magnate, a mogul, and a shipping icon, describing him as “larger than life, streetwise, shrewd, witty, affable, entrepreneurial, and with a good sense of humour. He always had one story or another to tell. He was an entrepreneur extraordinaire. Not only did he have a good nose to smell the money, but he was also imbued with the acumen to go for it. He dared where others dreaded to venture.”

Dr Mbiah said that he worked with him on many fronts, serving with him on the boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) for several years.

He acknowledged that Alhaji Banda always shared his history and knowledge at every opportunity, including when he (Dr Mbiah) arranged for him to lecture the MBA Entrepreneurship Class at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

“His recounting of his historical beginnings was always inspiring. He often told me about moving cattle all the way from Mopti in Mali through Burkina Faso into Ghana.

By the 1980s, Alhaji was already a self-made man with international acclaim. His accentuation to worldwide fame was given a fillip when, as a cross trader, he called for the removal of the European Union block exemption after the Cotonou Round Table 2.”

He disclosed that “his words, ‘If you want to take part in the party, bring your bottle, resonated with the wind of globalisation and liberalisation and eventually led to the removal of the EU block exemption 4056/86, leading to a dismantling of the liner conference system and the associated 40-40-20 cargo sharing system practiced in the Europe-West African shipping trades.”

According to him, Alhaji Banda’s transport of cattle by road from Mali to Ghana might have generated his interest in transportation, as he was a true and thorough transport magnate who provided services in road transport haulage, aviation, and maritime services, including his instrumental role in the establishment of the first Container Terminal, the Tema Container Terminal (TCT).

“We cannot forget his introduction of Roll on Roll Off Services (Ro-Ro) into Ghana through his OT AFRICA LINE (OTAL). He was a philanthropist. His charitable accomplishments are beyond compare; the refurbishment of the Korle-Bu Surgical Ward and the Mosque at Airport Residential Area stand out as monuments amongst many others.”

The Maritime Law Consultant further remembered him in his aviation exploits, stating that Alhaji Banda shattered the glass ceiling with a supply-driven service when many had said the Accra-Kumasi route would not be viable.

He said, “He told me that people said it will not work because road transport to Kumasi affords passengers the opportunity to break the journey and eat fufu, which will not be available on the short travel by air to Kumasi. He jokingly said, “I will serve fufu on the plane.

” And he started Antrak Air, Accra-Kumasi. Such was his strength of character; he dared where angels feared to tread. He was audacious in his hope and quest for an efficient transportation system in Ghana.”

Source: GNA