The Deputy Minister for Transport, Madam Affo-Toffey, has praised the significant investments made by Meridian Port Services (MPS), operators of the container terminal at Tema Port.
Madam Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, described the facility as one of the most modern and well-equipped ports in West Africa during a recent working visit.
The tour allowed the Deputy Minister to engage with management and gain firsthand insight into the company’s operations, technological advancements, and future expansion plans.
The visit highlighted the critical role MPS plays in facilitating trade and economic growth, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to transform Ghana into a competitive regional logistics and maritime hub.
“I am personally impressed with the level of investment that has gone into this facility,” she said. “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.”
A key highlight of the visit was her experience aboard one of the terminal’s state-of-the-art ship-to-shore cranes, which stands 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,” she stated.
Madam Affo-Toffey noted that these targeted investments have positioned Tema Port as a leading maritime gateway in the sub-region, capable of handling growing cargo volumes and supporting international trade. She emphasised that efficient port infrastructure remains essential to Ghana’s economic development 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 added.
The Deputy Minister explained that her visit forms part of the Ministry of Transport’s ongoing efforts to engage key industry stakeholders. These collaborations aim to support 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 said.
During the engagement, MPS management appealed to the Ministry of Transport for assistance in protecting and securing available land around the port enclave. This land is vital for future development projects aimed at mitigating congestion and improving operational efficiency.
Responding to the request, Madam Affo-Toffey acknowledged the importance of preserving strategic land for infrastructure expansion, noting that it would significantly enhance cargo handling and logistics management. She explained that additional space would alleviate parking and traffic congestion while streamlining port activities.
“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 noted.
The Deputy Minister assured MPS management that she would brief the substantive Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and present a comprehensive report on the concerns raised.
“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.
The Jomoro MP stressed that strong collaboration between the government and private-sector operators is crucial to driving infrastructure development. She described the proposed expansion project as a strategic addition that would complement existing infrastructure.
“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 concluded.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting investments that enhance Ghana’s maritime competitiveness. As the container terminal continues to serve as a vital gateway for imports and exports, sustained collaboration between the government and MPS will remain essential to meeting growing global demands.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
