Joseph Nikpe outlines measures to ease clinker discharge delays

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has revealed measures being taken by the government to tackle delays in the discharge of clinker at Ghana’s ports, amid concerns over rising import volumes and potential increases in cement prices. Speaking to journalists during an inspection of the Tema Port in a video sighted by GhanaWeb Business on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Nikpe noted that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) had completed dredging works to enable larger vessels to dock at the port. 'I bought my first private jet at 22 years old' – Aliko Dangote shares The latest intervention comes as the government steps up efforts to reduce the costs associated with delays in berthing and discharging clinker vessels at Tema Port. He said the move would reduce the number of smaller vessels waiting at anchorage and improve the efficiency of clinker imports. “We have a problem at hand because the trade volumes of imports that we are receiving these days in our ports are high. Thankfully, the dredging is finished, and we can now bring in bigger vessels,” Nikpe said. According to him, the next step is to notify shipping lines around the world that the port can now accommodate vessels with a deeper draft. Nikpe also urged cement manufacturers and clinker importers to consider working together to bring in larger vessels. “If they are able to use one bigger vessel, they will reduce the number of vessels under anchorage and the charges that come with them,” he stated. He further said the government would engage cement manufacturers on how to improve the evacuation of clinker from the port to their warehouses and production facilities. “They also need to help government to serve them better by improving the turnaround time for evacuating their raw materials from the port,” he said. Nikpe said the government was concerned about threats by cement manufacturers to increase prices because of the delays. He noted that the Transport Ministry and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry were working with the GPHA to find a quick solution to the problem. “The Minister of Trade and I will put our heads together with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to see how we can solve this matter quickly,” Nikpe said. He expressed optimism that the process would be completed within the coming weeks. ANAS/EBSource: www.ghanaweb.com
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