The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), in a coordinated effort with the Ministry of Transport, has achieved a significant milestone in port infrastructure that is set to reshape the cost structure of Ghana’s construction sector.
MoTAI noted that a high-level government delegation led by Deputy Trade Minister Hon. Sampson Ahi and Transport Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe inspected the completed dredging of Berths 13 and 14 at the Tema Port.
“This intervention will support the cement business in the country and help reduce unnecessary delays at the port. The dredging of Berths 13 and 14 will now allow larger vessels carrying up to 65,000 tons of clinker and other materials to dock directly at the port, eliminating the previous challenge for vessels to offload part of their cargo at Takoradi.
“Collaboration between ministries and agencies is key to lowering the cost and time involved in doing business in Ghana”
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
For years, the inability of the Tema Port to accommodate larger vessels has served as a silent tax on the economy. Clinker – the primary raw material for cement – was often transported in vessels that exceeded the port’s previous depth capacity, forcing ships to first offload a portion of their cargo at the Takoradi Port before proceeding to Tema.
This “double-handling” not only delayed production cycles but also incurred massive demurrage charges and additional fuel costs, which were ultimately passed on to the Ghanaian consumer.
This strategic intervention is specifically designed to eliminate the logistical bottlenecks that have long plagued cement manufacturers, ensuring a faster, more cost-effective flow of clinker and other raw materials into the country.
According to the Ministry, the successful completion of this phase of dredging within a tight two-week window is a testament to the efficacy of inter-ministerial collaboration. The project was the direct result of a consultative meeting held in February 2026 between the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), and the Ministry of Transport.
By bringing the private sector to the table, the government was able to identify the specific technical requirements needed to unlock industrial capacity – an alignment that is a core component of the national Industrialization drive, which seeks to make Ghana a competitive manufacturing hub within the West African sub-region.
Transport Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized that the upgrades at the Tema Port extend beyond domestic benefits. As a primary gateway for landlocked neighbors, an efficient Tema Port enhances Ghana’s status as a regional logistics powerhouse.
The ability to dock larger vessels directly at Tema reduces congestion across the entire port facility, allowing for a more predictable schedule for all maritime operators. This predictability is essential for manufacturers who operate on just-in-time inventory models and cannot afford the uncertainty of vessel delays.
Operational Efficiency
The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, noted that the dredging project is a vital piece of the infrastructure puzzle required to support the President’s 24-Hour Economy vision.
For a 24-hour cycle to be viable in the manufacturing sector, the supply of raw materials must be continuous and uninterrupted. Deeper berths mean shorter turnaround times for ships, which in turn ensures that factories have the consistent input flow necessary to maintain multi-shift operations.
The GPHA expects the full scope of dredging works to be completed by mid-June 2026. Mr. Tanye-Kulono noted that timeline is “critical for cement manufacturers who are currently scaling up production to meet the demands of several national infrastructure projects.”
By lowering operational costs at the port level, the government is creating the fiscal space for manufacturers to lower the retail price of cement, which creates a positive feedback loop: cheaper cement leads to more affordable housing and infrastructure, creating more jobs in the construction sector and ultimately building national wealth.
The inspection of Berths 13 and 14 serves as a clear signal that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry is moving away from purely policy-based interventions toward tangible, infrastructure-led solutions.
While policy creates the framework, it is the physical capacity of the nation’s ports, roads, and energy grids that determines the actual pace of economic growth. Focusing on the “nuts and bolts,” of trade facilitation – such as harbor depth and vessel capacity – is the government’s commitment to reducing the “Ghanaian premium,” on imported raw materials.
As the dredging continues toward its June completion date, the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana and other industrial stakeholders are watching closely. The success of this project will likely serve as a blueprint for similar interventions in other sectors, such as Agriculture and heavy machinery.
If the state can continue to deliver infrastructure upgrades on such an aggressive timeline, the goal of a fully industrialized, 24-hour economy will move from a visionary target to a lived reality for the Ghanaian workforce.
READ ALSO: Government Rejects GH¢8.1 Billion in Questionable Arrears Claims
