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President John Dramani Mahama yesterday opened a three-day transport and logistics fair in Accra and said the government was expanding the reach of affordable and efficient mass public transport systems.
He said it was also establishing a strong regulatory framework to oversee the safe and responsible operation of motorbikes and tricycles for fare-paying passenger service.
President Mahama explained that all these interventions were within a framework that emphasised safety, orderliness and sustainability.
The three-day exhibition has attracted all agencies under the Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders, including the security services. It is being organised by Digital Eye and hosted by the Ministry of Transport.
It is on the theme: “Resetting Ghana’s Transport Sector for Improved Connectivity, Innovation and Investment.”
Describing the fair as a landmark event, President Mahama said it was a bold statement of intent and reflected the shared determination to reset and transform Ghana's transport and logistics system, focusing on modernity, innovation, safety and sustainability.
“Transport, as everyone knows, is the lifeblood of every economy. It leads to new opportunities, opens markets for goods and services, boosts productivity and promotes inclusive national development.
A country's competitiveness is often assessed by how efficiently people and goods can move across its territory.
“And that is why this fair is both timely and informative. As outlined in our Manifesto of 2024 and the Reset Agenda, my administration is truly committed to building a safe, accessible and technology-driven transport system that creates jobs, promotes trade and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's (AUs) Agenda 2063. Our priorities are clear and ambitious,” he stated.
Simultaneously, he said, “we are working to decarbonise transport, expand electric mobility infrastructure, and promote climate-smart investments that lower emissions and protect the environment.
The President said that with enhanced port efficiency, modern rail connectivity, expanded airport infrastructure, efficient road transport and digital logistics systems, Ghana could and would become the gateway for efficient trade and movement of goods and services across our sub-region.
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said the fair reflected “our collective resolve to transform Ghana’s transport landscape and position it as a catalyst for national development and regional integration”.
He said the ministry had undertaken a number of strategic interventions for which it was on course to establish a national airline to reinforce Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub.
To guarantee safety and security, he said, “We have introduced advanced measures such as the Passenger Information System and Passenger Name Record system to detect individuals who may pose a threat or be of interest.”
“Our infrastructure development is also underway, including the expansion and modernisation of the Kotoka International Airport — notably, the repurposing of Terminal 2 and the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower.
We are extending the runway at the Prempeh Agyemang I International Airport to accommodate medium-sized aircraft, among other key improvements,” the Transport Minister added.
In maritime transport, Mr Nikpe pointed out that the rehabilitation of the Tema Harbour breakwater was ongoing to ensure vessel safety and operational efficiency.
The efforts, he explained, were also underway to develop coastal water transportation to complement the existing road transport systems, with feasibility studies set to begin soon.
He said several parallel programmes were underway to renew the fleet of the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Limited and the Intercity STC Coaches Limited to improve and expand services.
On Railways, the Transport Minister said work had resumed on the Western railway line, which was previously halted, while services have commenced on the Tema-Mpakadan line.
He said the services would be enhanced for freight operations, alongside developing port infrastructure on the Volta Lake to handle freight.
These interventions, he indicated, were supported by strategic partnerships with the private sector, mobilising investment to make Ghana the preferred transport and logistics hub within the West African sub-region and under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Paramount Chief of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, commended the government for the stability in the foreign exchange and the economy, and stated that given the country’s resource endowment, creating jobs for the youth was essential.
“We have seen the 24-hour Economy, the Big Push and I am happy inflation has declined.
I am hopeful we record about six per cent by the close of the year.
If we have to sustain these gains, we will need a very strong and good transport sector,” Togbe Afede stated
