The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has outlined a six-point strategic agenda to transform Ghana’s ports into a world-class maritime and logistics hub and position the country as West Africa’s preferred gateway for trade.
The agenda focuses on infrastructure expansion, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, workforce development, multimodal connectivity and stronger regional integration.
Delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s (GPHA) 40th Anniversary Industry Awards Dinner, Mr Nikpe said the next phase of development in the maritime sector required a bold vision and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
He identified the expansion and modernisation of port infrastructure as a priority, stressing the need for sustained investment to accommodate growing trade volumes and improve operational efficiency.
He said digital transformation was equally important to improving service delivery, reducing turnaround times and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
On sustainability, the minister called for environmentally responsible port operations that would support economic growth while protecting the environment.
Mr Nikpe further called for better integration of road, rail and inland transport systems to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
He also emphasised the need to develop the skills and expertise of the workforce to drive innovation and excellence across the maritime industry.
He urged stakeholders to deepen regional cooperation to position Ghana as a leading maritime and trade hub within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While acknowledging the progress made by the GPHA over the past four decades, the minister said achieving the vision would require closer collaboration among the government, industry players, development partners and the private sector.
The Chairman of the GPHA Board of Directors, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, commended stakeholders whose commitment and partnerships had contributed to the growth of the country’s ports and the wider maritime industry over the past 40 years.
He said the anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate past achievements but also to renew the industry’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah urged industry players to sustain their collaboration to ensure that Ghana’s ports remained competitive in an increasingly dynamic global trade environment.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Director-General of the GPHA, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, described the authority’s 40-year journey as one of resilience, collaboration and transformation.
He paid tribute to former director-generals, directors of ports, staff, customers and industry partners whose contributions had shaped the authority’s development and helped establish Ghana’s ports as important trade gateways in the sub-region.
Major General Tanye-Kulono said the awards dinner was dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations whose excellence, commitment and partnerships had contributed to the GPHA’s growth and the advancement of the maritime sector.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation would enable Ghana’s ports to achieve even greater milestones in the decades ahead.
BY BENJAMIN ACTON TETTEY
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