Ministry of Transport holds 2024 strategic review meeting to assess performance of sector

The Ministry of Transport has held its 2024 strategic review meeting at the Central Regional capital of Cape Coast. The event presented the Transport Ministry and its agencies with a unique opportunity to come together to apprise themselves on the programmes and projects in the Ministry and Agencies, the extent of implementation, challenges, and way forward.

The strategic review meeting was also to ensure that the sector programmes and projects are aligned with the overall national vision as set out in the President’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies.

The Head of the Ghana Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh entreated civil servants to embrace the technological advancement in the sector through good governance.

He challenged the agencies under the Ministry of Transport to deepen professionalism, put in sustainability measures, enhance service delivery, accountability and use best practices to develop the transport sector.

The Central Regional Minister, Juliana Marigold Assan underscored the importance of the transport sector to every aspect of human life and the socio-economic development of the Republic of Ghana.

“Transport, as we are aware, controls the economic outcome of every country as it is essential for the movement of goods and services in terms of our land, sea, air and all, facilitating trade and commerce. Transportation systems enable businesses to access markets, deliver products to customers and service raw materials,” she said.

The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah outlined some achievements that have been achieved in the maritime sector.

“We have constructed a new liquid bulk terminal at Takoradi port, constructed a multipurpose terminal at Takoradi port of which phase 1 has been completed. The operation will commence around July. We have completed a construction of a four berth dedicated container terminal at Tema Port, MPS, installed 16 state of the art ship-to-shore cranes and 3 rubber tyre gantry cranes as part of the retooling through the MPS terminal, constructed 12 fish landing sites along the coast, constructed a fishing port for Elmina, constructed the James town fishing port which is nearing completion, we are about 93%,” he stated.

He continued that “we are developing the Boankra Integrated Logistics terminal which is ongoing, removed tree stumps along the navigable path of the Volta lake, completed an assessment study on the Volta lake, acquire a total of 7 high speed patrol and rescue boat for surveillance and monitoring of Ghana territorial waters, acquired trash skimmers to remove rubbish and materials from water bodies and protect sea life.”

He urged the agencies to be innovate to meet the evolving needs of stakeholders and navigate the complexities of the industry.

“It is important that you continuously strive to improve and innovate our respective force of endeavour. This means staying up to date with the latest industry trends, understanding the needs and demands of the people and fostering culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence,” he said.

The 2024 strategic meeting of Ministry of Transport was attended by the Board Chairpersons and Agency Heads from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority among others.