Government Moves to Tackle Container Congestion at Tema Port

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has described the growing congestion of containers at the Tema Port as a significant challenge, saying government is taking steps to upgrade infrastructure and improve the movement of cargo.

Mr. Nikpe made the remarks during a visit to the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal at the Tema Port, where he met with management to discuss measures aimed at improving the smooth entry and exit of cargo.

He acknowledged that the increasing number of containers at the port had become a concern for all stakeholders.

“Currently, we are faced with a challenge, the container congestions in the port, and I believe this worries all of us, including you,” he said.

According to the Minister, the congestion is partly the result of infrastructure development failing to keep pace with the steady growth in cargo volumes.

He explained that although the construction of Terminal 3 has significantly expanded the port’s cargo-handling capacity, the supporting infrastructure connecting the terminal to other parts of the port has not experienced similar expansion.

“We are putting in Terminal 3, the containers, the cargo is coming, but we didn’t continue to improve other infrastructure that is linking up with the port,” he added.

Mr. Nikpe said government is therefore considering improvements to key roads and harbour routes, as well as the construction of additional berths to enable the port to accommodate more vessels.

“That’s why we are talking about the material routes, and then the harbour route expansions. And again, looking at creating more new berths that will be able to receive whatever ships that will be calling on our port,” he said.

The Minister assured port operators and other stakeholders that government would work to accelerate the proposed interventions in an effort to ease the congestion.

“Government is looking at how we can fast-track activities to be able to remove this challenge,” he stated.

He said the overall objective is to make the Tema Port more efficient while strengthening Ghana’s position as a preferred hub for maritime trade.