GPHA@40 launch emphasises smarter, greener ports -

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has launched activities to commemorate its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of growth, resilience and innovation while setting out plans to strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.

The anniversary marks the Authority’s journey since its establishment under PNDC Law 160 in 1986 and its transformation into a critical gateway for Ghana’s international trade and a major facilitator of regional commerce.

Speaking at the launch, the GPHA Director-General said the anniversary was more than a celebration of age, describing it as a reflection of four decades of institutional resilience, transformation, innovation and dedicated service by generations of employees.

He said the Authority had remained committed to its mandate to plan, develop, manage and operate Ghana’s seaports efficiently and safely while facilitating trade and supporting national economic development.

Tema, Takoradi transformed
The Board Chairman of GPHA, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said the creation of the Authority was aimed at bringing key port-related entities under a unified structure to improve efficiency and management of Ghana’s ports.

He said the Tema and Takoradi ports had since evolved into strategic national assets, supporting international trade, industrial activity and regional integration.

According to him, GPHA had implemented a series of initiatives to improve competitiveness, operational efficiency and customer service as the global maritime industry continues to evolve.

Major investments in port infrastructure, automation and information technology, he said, had enabled Ghana’s ports to handle rising cargo volumes and accommodate a wider range of vessels.

Among the developments highlighted was the 3.5 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) container terminal at Tema, alongside the Dry Bulk Terminal and the Takoradi Natural Gas Liquids Export Terminal.

Takoradi ship-repair hub
Mr Asiedu Nketiah also highlighted the planned Takoradi Floating Dock Project, which is backed by £101 million in financing.

The project is expected to strengthen Ghana’s ship-repair and maintenance capacity while positioning Takoradi as a more competitive maritime hub in the sub-region.

He said the investment formed part of broader efforts to expand Ghana’s maritime infrastructure and capture greater value from the country’s strategic coastal location.

Transit trade and regional integration
GPHA, he said, was also strengthening Ghana’s role as a transit hub for landlocked countries in the region.

A dedicated transit container terminal at Tema Port has been established to serve neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, while the Kpone Unity Terminal was developed to ease congestion and improve transit operations.

The initiatives are expected to support regional trade and strengthen Ghana’s role as an important logistics gateway to the West African hinterland.

Focus shifts to smarter, greener ports

Looking ahead, GPHA management and the Board said the Authority would focus on building smarter, greener and more efficient ports capable of supporting Ghana’s industrialisation and expanding opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Authority plans to deepen collaboration with stakeholders across the maritime value chain, including government agencies, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, regulators and development partners.

Environmental sustainability, technological innovation, safety and improved customer service are also expected to remain central to the Authority’s future strategy.

GPHA said the anniversary programme would also seek to inspire and develop the next generation of maritime professionals while strengthening engagement with industry stakeholders.

The Authority paid tribute to its former leaders, retired staff and current employees whose contributions have shaped its development over the past four decades.

It also expressed appreciation to the government, customers, business partners, traditional authorities, regulators and the media for their continued support.

The anniversary comes as Ghana seeks to maximise the economic benefits of its maritime assets, with GPHA positioning Tema and Takoradi not only as gateways for Ghana’s trade but also as strategic platforms for regional integration, industrial growth and participation in Africa’s expanding single market.