President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a modern, safe, and inclusive transport and logistics system to drive Ghana’s economic transformation and regional integration.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural Ghana Transport and Logistics Fair 2025 in Accra, President Mahama said the government was investing heavily in rail, road, maritime, and aviation infrastructure to ensure seamless movement of people and goods across the country and the West African subregion.
“We are modernizing Ghana’s rail, road, maritime, and aviation systems, while enhancing intermodal connectivity to ensure that passengers and freight move seamlessly across our country and across our subregion,” the President said.
The three-day fair, organized by the Ministry of Transport, is being held under the theme “Resetting Ghana’s Transport Sector for Improved Connectivity, Innovation, and Investment.”
It aims to promote innovation, attract investment, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to redefine Ghana’s transport and logistics landscape.
President Mahama emphasized that his government was leveraging digital platforms and data systems to streamline logistics, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery particularly in haulage, warehousing, and port operations.
He added that Ghana’s transport agenda was being redefined to align with global sustainability goals by decarbonizing transport, expanding electric mobility infrastructure, and promoting climate-smart investments that reduce emissions and protect the environment.
“We are expanding electric mobility infrastructure and promoting climate-smart transport investments that lower emissions and protect our environment,” he said.
“Transport is the lifeblood of every economy, it leads to new opportunities, opens markets for goods and services, boosts productivity, and promotes inclusive national development.”
The President also revealed plans to strengthen regulations governing motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as Okada, to ensure their safe and responsible operation as commercial passenger vehicles.
“We are establishing a strong regulatory framework to oversee the safe and responsible operation of motorcycles and tricycles for fair-paying passenger service,” he said, adding that government was simultaneously expanding access to affordable and efficient mass public transport systems.
He stressed that all these measures fit within a broader national framework that emphasizes safety, orderliness, and sustainability across the transport ecosystem.
Highlighting recent infrastructure developments, President Mahama disclosed that the government had commenced the dualization of the Cape Coast–Takoradi road, with other key segments including Accra to Kasoa, Kasoa to Winneba, Winneba to Mankessim, and Mankessim to Cape Coast already awarded to contractors.
“When this corridor is completed, travel time between Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi will be reduced by 50 percent,” he announced.
The President further indicated that the government is collaborating with the Ghana Railway Authority to accelerate the implementation of the Railway Master Plan, which seeks to improve cargo and passenger rail connectivity across the country and into neighboring states.
President Mahama said the government’s comprehensive transport modernization strategy aligns with Ghana’s ambition to become the leading transport and logistics hub in West Africa.
He noted that the plan is fully consistent with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose Secretariat is headquartered in Accra.
“The Ghana Transport and Logistics Fair perfectly aligns with our broader goal of establishing Ghana as the transport and logistics hub of West Africa,” he said.
“With enhanced port efficiency, modern rail connectivity, expanded airport infrastructure, efficient road transport, and digital logistics systems, Ghana can and will become the gateway for trade and movement across the subregion.”
President Mahama commended Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe and his team, including agency heads under the ministry, for spearheading the initiative and turning the government’s vision into reality.
He described the Transport and Logistics Fair as more than just an exhibition, calling it a “bold statement of intent” that reflects the shared determination of government and industry stakeholders to reset and transform Ghana’s transport and logistics ecosystem.
“As outlined in our 2024 Manifesto and the Reset Agenda, my administration is committed to building a safe, accessible, and technology-driven transport system that creates jobs, promotes trade, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he affirmed.
The Ghana Transport and Logistics Fair 2025 brings together key players from the transport, logistics, technology, and investment sectors.
The fair serves as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership, focusing on improving connectivity, encouraging innovation, and mobilizing investment to strengthen Ghana’s position in the regional and global transport value chain.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
