The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has paid a working visit to Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to assess ongoing dredging projects aimed at enhancing Ghana’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the government’s economic transformation agenda.
The visit began at the Tema Harbour, where the Minister and his delegation inspected ongoing dredging works intended to improve navigational safety, increase operational efficiency, and enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.
Officials of the port briefed the Minister on the progress of the dredging exercise, stating that Berths 13 and 14 have been deepened to accommodate larger vessels, with Berth 13 expected to receive ships of up to 65,000 tonnes. The exercise was part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive maritime hub within the West African sub-region.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Nikpe highlighted the importance of maintaining modern and efficient port infrastructure to support the government’s broader economic development agenda. He noted that the dredging works would significantly improve port operations and facilitate an increased maritime trade, which remains vital to Ghana’s economy.
“When the president assumed office, he promised to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the harbour to serve the sub-regions. This promise has been actualized, and through the dredging, the port is in a better place to receive bigger vessels, ease congestion, and boost the economy,” the Minister stated.
The Minister and his delegation, joined by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, later visited the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, where they interacted with the harbour authority and fishermen to explore ways of maximizing the potential of the fishing harbour and coastal infrastructure to support employment creation, food security, and economic growth. The delegation toured the cold store facility, processing centres, block-making facility, Net mending centre, and the fish market, etc, to better understand the operations at the harbour.
Speaking after the tour, the Minister emphasised that the visit was to engage the harbour authority to address some of the challenges they faced since its operation. He added that for the harbour to function effectively and efficiently, maximising the facility, extending the brick water, and desilting the port was very necessary. He acknowledged that there had been some development, especially at the market, cold store, and block-making centres, but more was needed at the fishing harbour to make it more functional for the citizenry. According to him, the harbour would be developed to meet the operationalisation of the 24-hour economy policy of the government.
“With the government's 24-hour economy policy, I want to assure you that the president is committed to ensuring that the James Town Fishing Harbour becomes one of the best in the Sub-region and also serve citizens efficiently and effectively,” Hon. Nikpe noted.
On her part, Hon. Emelia Arthur also stressed the strategic role of fishing harbours in sustaining livelihoods for thousands of fisherfolk across the country, stating that 60% of Ghanaian animal protein comes from fisheries. She reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through improved infrastructure and sustainable fishing practices, especially at the James Town Harbour, which serves a dual purpose for fishing and harbour.
She added that the government's interest was to maximise the facilities at the Harbour for the benefit of artisanal fishers in the country because 75% - 80% of the 60% animal protein comes from artisanal fishers who need some of the facilities at the port to operate.
“We are sitting together to see the arrangement to put in place so that this facility would be maximised to better serve the citizens, meet the president's reset agenda, and to improve fisheries in the country.” Hon. Arthur emphasised.
The joint visit highlighted the importance of Inter-Ministerial collaboration in unlocking the full economic potential of Ghana’s maritime and fisheries sectors. Both Ministers reiterated the government’s determination to align maritime and fisheries infrastructure with the National Reset Agenda and the 24-Hour Economy policy, aimed at stimulating economic activity and expanding opportunities for businesses and coastal communities.
The Ministers’ delegation consisted of the Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Chief Director for the Ministry of Transport, Mr. William Kartey, the Director-General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the Manager of James Town fishing Harbour, Mr. Stephen Owia, and other Directors and officials from the Ministry and the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority.
