Ghana Targets West Africa’s Leading Maritime Hub – Transport Minister Unveils Vision at Africa Ports Forum 2026

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has outlined the Government of Ghana’s bold vision to position the country as the leading maritime logistics hub in West Africa through massive port expansion, digitalisation, security enhancement, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Delivering the keynote address at the 7th Edition of the Africa Ports Forum 2026 held at the Accra International Conference Centre on May 20, 2026, the Minister stated that over 90 percent of Ghana’s international trade is conducted through the sea, making the country’s ports vital to national economic transformation.

According to him, the government under John Dramani Mahama is committed to developing Ghana into the most efficient, secure, and sustainable maritime hub in the sub-region.

Mr. Nikpe highlighted the successful completion of the first two phases of the $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion Project through a partnership between Meridian Port Services and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. He noted that the expansion has significantly reduced vessel turnaround time and increased container handling capacity at the Tema Port.

The Minister further disclosed that the government has fully rolled out a 24-hour operational system at the ports in line with its 24-Hour Economy Policy, stressing that trade activities must continue without interruption. He also announced ongoing efforts to develop the Takoradi Port into a major oil and gas services hub and bulk cargo terminal to improve efficiency in handling Ghana’s natural resource exports. 

On regional integration, Mr. Nikpe revealed that Ghana is close to launching a structured coastal marine transport service linking Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria through a partnership with the private sector.

Additionally, government plans are underway to establish a coastal water transport system along Ghana’s coastline to promote alternative and sustainable mass transportation. 

He said procurement processes are nearly complete for the feasibility studies of the project.

The Transport Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal Project in Kumasi, describing it as a strategic project that will bring port services closer to northern Ghana and strengthen Ghana’s position as a transit corridor for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.

Touching on digitalisation, the Minister said government is implementing advanced AI-driven customs and risk assessment systems to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and speed up cargo clearance processes. He assured freight forwarders, traders, and clearing agents that government is engaging stakeholders to address challenges associated with the new systems.

On maritime security, Mr. Nikpe announced that Ghana has achieved 100 percent compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and has upgraded its Vessel Traffic Management System to monitor activities up to 200 nautical miles offshore.He added that the Ghana Maritime Authority is deploying patrol and rescue boats to protect Ghana’s inland waterways and curb illegal activities affecting local fishermen.

The Minister also stressed Ghana’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that government is promoting green shipping corridors, enforcing regulations against marine plastic pollution, and exploring cleaner alternative fuels in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He called on the private sector to partner government by investing in logistics, infrastructure, and maritime services to unlock the enormous opportunities within the maritime industry.

Mr. Nikpe officially declared the 7th One Africa Port Forum open and expressed optimism that the forum would generate meaningful discussions to advance maritime development across Africa.