Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe Announces Port Expansions and 24-Hour Operations to Secure Ghana’s Maritime Lead

Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced a comprehensive suite of maritime initiatives designed to solidify Ghana's position as the primary logistics hub in West Africa. Recognizing that maritime trade accounts for approximately 80 to 90 percent of the nation’s total trade volume, the government is prioritizing the modernization of port infrastructure and the streamlining of operations to drive economic growth. Key pillars of this strategy include the further expansion of the Tema Port and the strategic transformation of the Takoradi Port into a dedicated services center for the growing oil and gas industry. These developments are intended to ensure that Ghana remains the preferred destination for international maritime traffic in the sub-region. A critical component of these reforms is the transition toward 24-hour operations at major ports, which aims to reduce vessel turnaround times and improve overall efficiency. Minister Nikpe emphasized that these upgrades are not limited to physical infrastructure but also include technical self-reliance. This is evidenced by the planned establishment of a national hydrographic office, which will oversee the local production of navigation charts. This initiative is expected to enhance maritime safety and create specialized technical jobs for Ghanaians, reducing the historical reliance on foreign agencies for navigational data. Industry experts have underscored that the success of these maritime goals hinges on the effective implementation of policy and a renewed focus on digitalization. Stakeholders are calling for the integration of advanced technology into port management to complement the physical expansions and enhance human capacity development. By focusing on maritime excellence, the government aims to translate high-level policy into tangible economic benefits. Under the administration of President John Mahama, these investments form a central part of the broader infrastructure agenda aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and facilitating more robust international trade through 2026 and beyond.