Ghana’s Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced major developments aimed at revitalizing the country’s maritime and shipping sector, including the revival of the Tema Shipyard, the construction of a new freight park, and critical upgrades to port infrastructure.
He disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to building a resilient transport and shipping ecosystem to support national development and the 24-hour economy.
Speaking on the Tema Shipyard, Hon. Bukari Nikpe noted that the facility, once a strategic national asset established by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for ship repair, maintenance, and overhaul, had been left non-operational for years.
He explained that under the directives of the President, the government had embarked on a comprehensive revamping exercise to restore the facility to its full operational capacity.
“I can report today that the Tema Shipyard has been redesigned and reconstructed. The Dock 1 main pump has been rehabilitated to improve docking time, Dock 2 has been reactivated for full operations, and office spaces have been refurbished to improve the working environment,”
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe
According to the minister, these improvements have not only revived the shipyard’s operational capabilities but also created jobs for Ghanaians. In line with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, the Tema Shipyard has introduced a three-shift system to maximize productivity and efficiency.
On freight infrastructure, Hon. Bukari Nikpe disclosed that the Ghana Shippers Authority had commenced the construction of a modern freight park in the Central Region along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
He said the initiative was designed to promote investment in warehousing and freight facilities while enhancing services for transit truck drivers. “The new freight park will provide secure parking, accommodation, maintenance, and other support services to reduce stress and accidents among transit truck drivers,” he explained. He further revealed that a contractor had already been selected and preliminary works had begun.
The Minister also addressed longstanding concerns about the shallow draft belts at the Tema Port, which have limited its capacity and prevented larger vessels from calling at the port. This, he explained, has hindered the port’s competitiveness in the sub-region.
“To address this, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has engaged China Harbour Engineering to dredge and increase the draft capacity of the port. Once completed, this project will enable larger vessels to berth, reduce turnaround time, and boost container throughput, thereby strengthening Tema Port’s competitiveness in West Africa”.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe
In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, Hon. Bukari Nikpe announced significant progress in enhancing maritime safety and surveillance.
He confirmed that the Ghana Maritime Authority is upgrading the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) to provide 24-hour electronic surveillance across Ghana’s coasts, exclusive economic zone, and marine resources.
“The upgraded system will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, protect the marine environment, and combat unlawful activities such as piracy, drug trafficking, robbery, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing”.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe
The Transport Minister also highlighted reforms in the maritime and inland water sub-sector as part of efforts to create a business-friendly environment for shipping operations.
He stressed the central role of the shipping industry in Ghana’s economic transformation but noted that weak regulations have historically affected port efficiency and increased costs.
To address these challenges, Hon. Bukari Nikpe pointed to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act 2024 (Act 1122), which was passed in July 2024 to strengthen regulation of the industry.
“The Act is designed to ensure fair pricing, promote best practices, and improve efficiency in our ports. The Ghana Shippers Authority is currently developing regulations to operationalize the Act, which will be submitted to Parliament by the end of this year”.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe
Once the regulations are passed, the Authority will be empowered to implement measures to reduce port costs and enhance Ghana’s maritime competitiveness.
Hon. Bukari Nikpe assured Ghanaians that these interventions demonstrate government’s commitment to modernizing the shipping and transport sectors while also ensuring that the country fully benefits from its coastal resources.
“The shipping industry is vital to our economy, and the government is determined to reset the agenda by making the sector more efficient, competitive, and business-friendly”.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe
The revival of the Tema Shipyard, coupled with infrastructure upgrades and regulatory reforms, represents one of the boldest moves yet in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its transport and maritime sectors.
With construction works underway and new systems being introduced, industry stakeholders are hopeful that these interventions will position Ghana as a leading maritime hub in the sub-region.
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