The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has outlined a six-point strategic agenda to transform Ghana’s ports into a world-class maritime and logistics hub, with emphasis on infrastructure expansion, digital innovation, sustainability, workforce development, multimodal connectivity and regional integration.
Delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s (GPHA) 40th Anniversary Industry Awards Dinner, the Minister said Ghana’s maritime sector needed a bold vision to position the country as the preferred gateway for trade in West Africa.
He identified the expansion and modernisation of port infrastructure as a key priority, stressing the need for sustained investment to accommodate growing trade volumes and improve operational efficiency.
Hon. Nikpe also highlighted digital transformation as essential to improving service delivery, reducing turnaround times and strengthening the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports.
On sustainability, he called for environmentally responsible port operations that balance economic growth with environmental protection. He further emphasised the need to develop the human capital required to drive innovation, professionalism and excellence across the maritime industry.
The Minister also called for stronger integration of road, rail and inland transport systems to facilitate seamless cargo movement and improve the country’s logistics network.
Additionally, he urged stakeholders to deepen regional cooperation and integration 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 GPHA had made over the past four decades, Hon. Nikpe stressed that achieving the sector’s ambitions would require stronger collaboration among government, industry players, development partners and the private sector.
The Chairman of the GPHA Board of Directors, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, commended stakeholders whose commitment and partnerships had contributed to the growth of Ghana’s ports and the wider maritime industry over the past 40 years.
He noted that the anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate past achievements but also a chance to renew the industry’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah urged industry players to continue working together to ensure that Ghana’s ports remained competitive in an increasingly dynamic global trade environment.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Director-General of GPHA, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, described the Authority’s 40-year journey as a story 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 growth and helped position Ghana’s ports among the major trade gateways in the sub-region.
Major General Tanye-Kulono said the awards dinner was organised to recognise individuals and organisations whose excellence, commitment and partnerships had contributed to GPHA’s development and the advancement of the maritime sector.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation would position Ghana’s ports to achieve further milestones in the decades ahead.
The Industry Awards Dinner formed part of activities marking GPHA’s 40th anniversary celebrations and brought together government officials, former Director-Generals, Directors of Ports, maritime industry leaders, business executives and other stakeholders across the transport and logistics value chain.
