The Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has stated that Ghana can find sustainable solutions to its port challenges by embracing technology, best practices, and collective expertise.

These solutions, she noted, require collaboration across the entire value chain.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, at the Ghana Chamber of Shipping Forum on the Competitiveness of Ghana’s Seaborne Trade, she highlighted that the government of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama recognises the role of every sector in the "Resetting Agenda" and flagship interventions such as the "24-Hour Economy Policy".

The Deputy Minister explained that the Ministry's core strategy is to promote transparency and accountability through policy and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business. As part of this, the Ministry is working to standardise port procedures and is rolling out initiatives like 24-hour port operations in collaboration with stakeholders to boost efficiency and competitiveness.

Furthermore, she announced a commitment to eliminating duplication among agencies in clearance processes, ensuring inspections, approvals, and cargo clearance are transparent, harmonised, and efficient.

To this end, the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to review port levies and charges, with the goal of making Ghana's ports fair, affordable, and globally competitive.

Hon. Affo-Toffey underscored Ghana’s commitment to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Green Voyage 2050 Programme, which seeks net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050.

“Through the Ghana Maritime Authority, we are actively participating in the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy and receiving technical support to transition toward sustainable maritime practices. While we acknowledge the challenges, this transition also provides opportunities for cleaner fuels, green financing, and inclusive national development.”