The Minister for Transport, Hon Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has opened the 2024 Strategic Review Meeting to assess the progress, challenges, and future direction of the transport sector. The meeting will be characterized by reflections on past accomplishments, recognition of stakeholders' contributions, and sober appraisal of challenges.
Addressing participants with gratitude and reflection, the Minister expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have propelled the sector forward over the past seven years. He acknowledged the pivotal role of stakeholders, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and lauded their unwavering support, particularly during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on significant milestones achieved in the sector, Hon. Ofori Asiamah highlighted remarkable advancements chalked. In the Aviation Sub-sector, he said, the Sunyani Airport phase I had been completed, the Tamale and Kumasi Airports upgraded into International Airports, and the construction of the Terminal 3 Project at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) also completed, among the several developments ongoing within the Aviation Sub-sector.
In the Maritime Sub-sector, he added that infrastructure, such as the new Liquid Bulk and Multi-purpose Container Terminals at the Takoradi Port has been built. A 4-berth dedicated container terminal has also been completed at the Tema Port, with 16 state-of-the-art ship-to-shore cranes and 3 rubber tyre gantry cranes installed as well. Additionally, 12 Fish landing sites along the coast have been constructed and 2 fishing ports at Elmina which has been completed and at Jamestown which is nearing completion.
He added that the developed Boankra Integrated Logistic Terminal was ongoing, tree stumps along the navigable path of the Volta Lake had been removed and several high-speed patrol and rescue boats for surveillance and monitoring of Ghana’s territorial waters and Trash skimmers to remove rubbish and materials from water bodies to protect marine life had been acquired.
In the Road Transport Services Sub-sector, the Minister noted that 200 and 100 intercity buses for the Metro Mass Transit Limited and the Intercity STC Coaches Limited had been acquired respectively. Also, the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019, (Act 993), and the National Road Safety Authority Regulations, 2022 had all been passed. The DVLA had automated its services, the revision of the National Transport Policy, 2008, and the developed National Electric Vehicle Policy to guide the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, among others, were developments happening within the Sub-sector.
However, amidst these achievements, Hon. Ofori Asiamah emphasized the sector's critical juncture, marked by pressing challenges ranging from sustainable urban mobility to environmental concerns and some institutional weaknesses. The Minister called for collective action and innovation to navigate these effectively.
The Minister noted that capacity building and leadership development was important to the development of the sector. He underscored the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation to industry trends.
Highlighting the need for heightened visibility and transparency, the Minister urged stakeholders to proactively communicate sectoral achievements to the public.
Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah reiterated the importance of adhering to financial management regulations and called for proactive engagement to address labour and sectorial issues to avoid Management and staff misunderstandings.
He urged all to renew their sense of purpose and commitment to steering the transport sector towards sustained growth and development. “With challenges acknowledged and opportunities identified, we need a collective resolve to overcome obstacles and capitalize on emerging trends setting the stage for a more promising future for Ghana's transport landscape”, he added.
