The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, has announced decisive measures to decongest Ghana’s busiest port and address longstanding infrastructure challenges that hamper smooth trade operations.
At a recent stakeholder engagement session, Brig. Gen. Tanye Kulono outlined a series of steps aimed at improving cargo flow and easing port congestion, with a clear focus on operational efficiency and infrastructure enhancement.
Among the key initiatives is the deployment of 15 new trucks, part of a 30-truck acquisition, to support the evacuation of containers from the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. The move has already significantly reduced container backlogs, dropping from nearly 5,000 to fewer than 1,000. He assured stakeholders that the remaining backlog would be cleared by the end of the month and committed to completing future transfers within three days.
“This is not just about efficiency, it’s about restoring confidence in our port systems,” he said, urging importers and traders to play their part by promptly clearing goods.
To further enhance port capacity, the Director General announced that dredging of the Port of Tema would begin by the end of the first quarter of 2026, a development expected to improve vessel turnaround times and increase traffic handling capabilities.
Brig. Gen. Tanye Kulono also addressed traders’ concerns over deteriorating port access roads, confirming that reconstruction works would commence soon. He appealed for patience and cooperation from port users during the rehabilitation period.
Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), praised the GPHA leadership’s proactive stance and reaffirmed GUTA’s commitment to supporting ongoing reforms.
“Business thrives on trade facilitation, and the Port Authority plays a pivotal role. Reducing time, cost, and bottlenecks is the way forward,” he remarked.
The engagement session was part of GPHA’s broader effort to maintain open dialogue with port users and reinforce a collaborative approach to improving the business environment at Ghana’s ports.
