The Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has described the launch of the J.K. Horgle Transport and Logistics Centre at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) as a bold step towards building a modern, innovative and globally competitive transport and logistics sector.

Speaking at the Launch, Hon. Affo-Toffey said the establishment of the Centre demonstrates Ghana's commitment to developing human capital, research capacity and industry partnerships required to transform the country's transport sector and support national development.

She noted that transport remains the backbone of Ghana's economy, while logistics continue to drive trade, investment, food security and job creation; however, persistent gaps in technical skills, research and data, as well as collaboration among academia, government and industry, continue to limit the sector's full potential.

She explained that the newly established Centre presents a strategic opportunity to bridge these gaps by serving as a hub for professional training, executive education, applied research and evidence-based policy development.

Hon. Affo-Toffey stated that the Ministry expects the Centre to equip transport professionals with competencies in planning, fleet management, operations management, cold-chain logistics, digital supply chains, corridor compliance and sustainable transport solutions. She further explained the need for Ghana to embrace technological innovation, stating that artificial intelligence, digital logistics systems, predictive maintenance and environmentally sustainable transport solutions have become essential to the future of the industry.

She urged the Centre to position itself at the forefront of research and innovation to prepare professionals capable of leading the sector through this transformation.

She reiterated that the Ministry is committed to working closely with the University through policy development, regulatory reforms, executive training and institutional capacity building to strengthen Ghana's transport ecosystem.

“By investing in knowledge, innovation and people, we are laying the foundation for a transport sector that is fit for the future. On our side as a Ministry, we stand ready to collaborate with this institution in policy development, regulatory reform, executive training and national capacity building,” she mentioned.

The Deputy Minister also encouraged transport companies, petroleum marketing organisations, development partners and financial institutions to partner with the Centre through internships, scholarships, research funding and professional mentorship to ensure it becomes a catalyst for national development.

She commended Dr. Joseph Kwaku Horgle, whose outstanding contributions to Ghana's haulage industry inspired the establishment of the Centre, describing him as a model of discipline, professionalism and excellence whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of transport professionals.

The J.K. Horgle Transport and Logistics Centre is expected to serve as a centre of excellence for transport and logistics education, research and innovation, while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government to support the Ministry's vision of building a safe, efficient, integrated and sustainable transport system for Ghana.