The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Ghana as the leading maritime hub in West Africa through expanded port infrastructure, improved logistics systems, and digital transformation.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Ports Forum 2026 in Accra, Madam Affo-Toffey said the government’s maritime agenda is focused on modernising the country’s ports to meet growing global shipping demands and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness within the sub-region.
According to her, the government under President John Dramani Mahama is implementing some strategic initiatives to improve efficiency within the maritime sector and enhance Ghana’s role in regional trade.
She mentioned the introduction of 24-hour port operations, the $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion project, and plans to position Takoradi Port as a dedicated oil and gas hub as measures being pursued to strengthen the country’s maritime industry.
Madam Affo-Toffey stated that the government is committed to accelerating the completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in Kumasi to bring port services closer to businesses and traders in northern Ghana.
She explained that the project would further strengthen Ghana’s position as a preferred transit corridor for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Touching on port security, the Deputy Minister noted that Ghana has upgraded its port security systems and achieved full compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
“With these measures, Ghana is steering the Blue Economy into a new era of growth, security, and regional integration,” she said.
Madam Affo-Toffey further disclosed that Ghana is advancing the digitalisation of its ports with the introduction of artificial intelligence-driven customs and risk assessment systems to improve operational efficiency and trade facilitation.
She added that the government continues to engage key stakeholders, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association, freight forwarders, and clearing agents, to address implementation challenges and ensure smooth operations within the sector.
She further said the combined efforts form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s maritime and logistics ecosystem and support economic growth through increased trade and regional integration.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
