The government is set to develop a coastal water transport system along Ghana’s coastline in line with the national transport policy objective of promoting alternative and sustainable mass transportation systems.
The procurement process is nearly completed for the selection of a consultant to undertake a feasibility study for the project.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, announced this at the 7th edition of the Africa Ports Forum 2026 held in Accra.
The forum formed part of government’s broader vision to develop Ghana’s ports and maritime sector.
She said: “When we look out at the Gulf of Guinea, we do not just see water; we see the lifeblood of our national economy. Over 90% of Ghana’s international trade moves by sea, making Ghana’s ports not merely transit points but the critical gateways through which our national transformation and resetting are being realised.”
Madam Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, said: “Today, under the leadership of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, the government’s vision for the maritime sector is clear, bold, and unambiguous — to position Ghana as the leading, most efficient, secure, and sustainable maritime logistics hub in West Africa.”
She added: “To achieve this, we are driving a comprehensive agenda centred on structural modernisation, cost reduction, robust security, and the sustainable harnessing of the resources and growth of our blue economy.”
According to her, the government’s maritime agenda is anchored on major infrastructure development to meet global shipping demands. She cited the commissioning of phases of the $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion Project through a partnership between Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
She noted that the expansion has improved vessel turnaround time and increased container throughput at the Tema Port.
24-Hour Economy
Madam Affo-Toffey said the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy is central to its economic reset agenda, with the Ghana Ports Authority already implementing a full 24-hour operational model.
“Since trade does not sleep, neither should our gateways,” she said.
She added that the Takoradi Port is being developed into a major oil and gas services hub and bulk cargo terminal.
She further revealed that Ghana is advancing plans for a structured coastal marine transport service linking Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria through private sector partnerships.
She also said the government intends to develop a coastal water transport system to fully harness the economic potential of Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Boankra Inland Port Project
Madam Affo-Toffey stated that government is committed to accelerating the completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in Kumasi.
She said the project will help bring port services closer to northern Ghana and strengthen Ghana’s position as a transit corridor for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra.
Digitalisation and Security
She noted that Ghana is advancing digitalisation of its ports, including AI-driven customs and risk assessment systems, while engaging stakeholders such as the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), freight forwarders, and clearing agents to address implementation challenges.
She said: “Technology must serve as a bridge to eliminate corruption and speed up clearance, not an obstacle to legitimate business.”
Madam Affo-Toffey added that Ghana has achieved 100% compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and upgraded its Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to 200 nautical miles for enhanced maritime surveillance.
Green Maritime Agenda
She concluded that Ghana is aligning its maritime strategy with global environmental standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 13 and 14), with efforts to promote green shipping corridors and reduce marine pollution.
ALSO READ:
Driver dead, others injured in accident on Wenchi-Subinso road
Breman Traditional Council to launch 2026 Odwira Festival on June 7
