The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has officially launched activities to mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of growth, resilience, innovation and contribution to Ghana’s economic development while outlining an ambitious vision for the future of the country’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the leadership of GPHA reflected on the Authority’s remarkable journey since its establishment, highlighting its transformation into a modern institution that serves as a critical gateway for Ghana’s international trade and a key logistics hub for the West African sub-region.
In a welcome address, the Director-General of GPHA described the anniversary as more than a celebration of the Authority’s age, noting that it represents four decades of resilience, transformation, innovation and dedicated service by generations of employees whose efforts have shaped the institution’s success. He emphasized that GPHA has remained steadfast in its mandate to plan, build, manage and operate Ghana’s seaports efficiently and safely, facilitating trade and supporting national development.
The Director-General noted that over the years, GPHA has recorded significant achievements in port modernization, operational efficiency, infrastructure development, technology adoption, environmental sustainability, safety and customer service. He attributed these accomplishments to strong collaboration between government, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, regulators, development partners and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, said the 40th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the Authority’s history since its establishment under PNDC Law 160 in 1986. He noted that GPHA was created to unify key port-related entities and improve the management and operational efficiency of Ghana’s ports to support trade and economic growth.
According to the Board Chairman, the ports of Tema and Takoradi have evolved into strategic national assets that facilitate international trade, support industrial activity and promote regional integration. He stated that the Authority has consistently pursued strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness, operational efficiency and service delivery in an increasingly dynamic global maritime environment.
The Chairman highlighted several major developments that have strengthened Ghana’s maritime infrastructure, including the expansion of Tema Port and ongoing transformation projects at Takoradi Port. He observed that investments in port infrastructure, automation and advanced information technology systems have enabled Ghana’s ports to handle growing cargo volumes and accommodate diverse vessel types.
Among the achievements cited were the development of a 3.5 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) container terminal, the Dry Bulk Terminal, and the Takoradi Natural Gas Liquids Export Terminal, all of which have enhanced cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency. The Chairman also pointed to the planned Takoradi Floating Dock Project, backed by £101 million in financing, as an initiative expected to strengthen Ghana’s ship repair capabilities and reinforce Takoradi’s position as a leading maritime hub in the region.
The Board Chairman further underscored GPHA’s role in regional trade facilitation, noting the establishment of a dedicated transit container terminal at Tema Port to serve neighbouring landlocked countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. He added that the Kpone Unity Terminal was developed to ease congestion and improve transit operations.
Looking ahead, both the Board and Management expressed a shared commitment to building smarter, greener and more efficient ports capable of supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Authority also intends to deepen stakeholder engagement, promote environmental sustainability and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals through activities planned for the anniversary year.
The leadership of GPHA paid tribute to former leaders, retired staff and current employees for their contributions to the Authority’s success, while thanking government, customers, business partners, traditional authorities, regulators and the media for their continued support.
