Deputy Transport Minister Calls for Reforms to Boost Ghana’s Maritime Industry

Deputy Transport Minister Calls for Reforms to Boost Ghana’s Maritime Industry

Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has underscored the critical role of the maritime sector in Ghana’s economic growth, describing it as a major engine of national revenue, regional integration, and industrial strength.

Speaking at the Ghana Chamber of Shipping Forum, the Deputy Minister noted that maritime transport accounts for more than 80 percent of Ghana’s international trade, making the sector a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation.

She highlighted the government’s vision of transforming Ghana’s ports into the premier maritime hub of West Africa through investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital.

However, she admitted that challenges such as high transaction costs, complex cargo delivery processes, excessive charges, demurrage penalties, and inefficiencies continue to affect the sector’s performance.

To address these bottlenecks, Hon. Affo-Toffey called for greater adoption of technology and best practices, while urging collaboration across the maritime value chain to ensure sustainable solutions.

Outlining key government initiatives, she mentioned the introduction of a 24-hour economy policy to standardize procedures at ports and enhance efficiency, as well as plans to review port levies and charges in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority. These reforms, she explained, are aimed at making Ghana’s ports fair, affordable, and globally competitive.

She further reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Green Voyage 2050 Programme, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050.

The Deputy Minister encouraged stakeholders to engage openly, propose practical reforms, and commit to their implementation, stressing that strong partnerships remain key. She assured that the Ministry of Transport will continue supporting forums and initiatives spearheaded by industry players such as the Ghana Chamber of Shipping to unlock the full potential of the maritime industry.