The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on Tuesday paid a working visit to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving port efficiency.

The visit forms part of the Minister’s broader tour of agencies under the Ministry of Transport to assess progress on key operational and infrastructure developments.

Mr. Nikpe was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo Toffey, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Samson Ahi, as well as directors from the Ministry of Transport.

The delegation was received by the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, the Director of Tema Port, Tebon Zumah, and other senior managers of the Authority.

During the visit, the Minister inspected ongoing dredging works at the Port of Tema, where depths are being increased from eight metres to up to fourteen metres to accommodate larger vessels.

The dredging works are expected to significantly enhance the port’s operational capacity. Berths 12 & 13 are being dredged to -14m CD which will enable vessels of up to “65,000” tonnes to call at the port; while Berths 14 & 15 are being dredged to a depth of -12m CD. The development is anticipated to reduce vessel congestion and operational costs for cement manufacturing companies that rely on clinker imports.

Speaking during the inspection, Mr. Nikpe said the project forms part of government’s efforts to ensure that the Tema Port operates efficiently to serve Ghana, the sub-region, and neighbouring landlocked countries.

He explained that the previous depth limitations of the port often prevented larger vessels from docking directly at Tema.

“Sometimes vessels carrying clinker or cement products had to first call at Takoradi Port to offload part of their cargo before proceeding to Tema. This situation created congestion and delays at the port,” he said.

According to the Minister, government responded to concerns raised by cement manufacturers regarding delays in clearing clinker shipments, which were increasing the cost of doing business.

“In order to address the congestion and the concerns raised by the cement companies, government decided to dredge Berths 13, 14 and 15 so they can receive larger vessels. I am pleased to note that Berth 13 has been dredged to a depth of about 14 metres and can now receive vessels carrying over 65,000 tonnes of clinker or other materials,” he said.

He added that Berth 14, which is currently being dredged to a depth of 12 metres, will also be able to accommodate larger vessels once completed.

“This development means that cargo volumes that previously required multiple vessels can now be transported in a single vessel. That will significantly improve efficiency and speed up the work of our cement manufacturing companies,” Mr. Nikpe stated.

He commended the management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for delivering on government’s directive within the promised timeframe.

“On behalf of government, I want to congratulate the Tema Port for keeping its word and ensuring that this work is progressing as promised. This will help reduce delays and lower the cost of doing business at our ports,” he said.

The Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Samson Ahi, also lauded the Authority for undertaking the dredging works, noting that the development would significantly improve the operations of cement manufacturers and enhance industrial productivity.

For his part, the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, expressed appreciation to government for its continued support towards port infrastructure development.

He indicated that the dredging works were progressing according to schedule and assured that the Authority remained committed to improving efficiency at Ghana’s ports.

“We are putting in place the necessary measures to facilitate trade and ensure that the ports of Ghana remain competitive and efficient,” he said.

After the inspection at the Port of Tema, the Minister and his delegation proceeded to the James Town Fishing Harbour to assess the condition of the facility.

At the harbour, the Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, was joined by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur.

Managers of the facility briefed the Ministers on measures required to fully operationalise the fishing harbour, highlighting the need for dredging works to desilt the harbour basin and improve navigational access for fishing vessels.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Nikpe assured that government would provide the necessary support to rehabilitate the facility and enhance its operational efficiency.

He indicated that the intervention would not only give the harbour a facelift but also ensure the effective functioning of the facility to support the livelihoods of fisherfolk in the area.

For her part, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, disclosed that government was developing plans aimed at bringing relief to fisherfolk operating at the harbour and improving conditions within the fishing community