The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has lauded the significant investments made by Meridian Port Services (MPS), operators of the container terminal at Tema Port, describing the facility as one of the most modern and well-equipped ports in West Africa.
Madam Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, made the remarks during a working visit to the MPS terminal, where she toured the facility and engaged with management to gain firsthand insight into its operations, technological advancements, and future expansion plans.
The visit formed part of the Ministry of Transport’s efforts to engage key industry stakeholders and identify opportunities for collaboration in support of the government’s agenda to transform Ghana into a competitive logistics and maritime hub.
Speaking after the tour, the deputy minister expressed admiration for the scale of investment undertaken by MPS to enhance efficiency and productivity at the port.
“I am personally impressed with the level of investment that has gone into this facility. The technology, infrastructure, and modern equipment deployed here are truly remarkable. They demonstrate the commitment of MPS to ensuring efficiency and excellence in port operations,” she said.
One of the highlights of the visit was her experience aboard one of the terminal’s latest ship-to-shore cranes, which rises approximately 125 metres above ground level.
“I had the opportunity to get on their latest crane and witness operations from a unique vantage point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was an incredible experience and a clear demonstration of the sophisticated technology being used here,” Madam Affo-Toffey noted.
She said the investments made at the container terminal had positioned Tema Port as a leading maritime gateway in the sub-region, capable of handling increasing volumes of cargo and supporting international trade.
According to her, efficient port infrastructure remains critical to Ghana’s economic growth and competitiveness within the West African trade corridor.
“Looking across West Africa, Tema Port is undoubtedly one of the best-equipped ports in the sub-region. The investments made here are helping to improve trade facilitation and strengthen Ghana’s position as a preferred destination for shipping and logistics,” she stated.
Madam Affo-Toffey explained that her visit was also aimed at understanding how government could collaborate with private-sector operators to advance President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
“As deputy minister, it is important for me to visit facilities such as this to gain firsthand information about their operations and understand how the government can work with them to advance the president’s vision for national development,” she added.
During the engagement, management of MPS appealed to the Ministry of Transport to support efforts to protect and secure available land around the port enclave for future expansion projects intended to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency.
Responding to the request, the deputy minister acknowledged the importance of preserving strategic land for infrastructure development, noting that such projects would help improve cargo handling and logistics management at the port.
“What they are proposing is very important because it will help decongest the port, particularly in relation to parking and the movement of cargo. Having visited and engaged with them, I now have a better appreciation of the need,” she said.
Madam Affo-Toffey assured management that she would brief the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on the issues raised and submit a detailed report for consideration.
“I will return to the ministry and provide a detailed report to my minister so that we can examine how best the government can support this initiative and help bring it to fruition,” she stated.
She further stressed the importance of strong collaboration between government and private-sector operators in driving infrastructure development and improving Ghana’s transport and logistics sector.
Describing the proposed expansion as a strategic investment, she said it would complement existing infrastructure and contribute to more seamless port operations.
“I believe this is a very important infrastructure addition to what they already have. It will make their work more seamless and further improve the efficiency of operations at the port,” she added.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting investments that enhance Ghana’s maritime competitiveness, facilitate trade, and drive economic growth, while ensuring that Tema Port remains capable of meeting growing demand with world-class operational standards.
