Sea, Coastal and Inland Water Transport in Ghana

As a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea and an important sub-regional transit trade corridor, Ghana is a strategically important maritime trading hub. Ghana’s sea, coastal and inland water transport system facilitates trade and plays a crucial role in the movement of passengers and goods. Its Tema port contains the largest container terminal in West Africa. Ghana’s commercial ports collectively receive more than 3,000 vessel calls annually and handle around 85% of the country’s total trade volumes.

Expansion and Modernisation

Ghana received 314 fewer vessel calls in 2019 than the prior year, and while the volume of traffic was lower, the upgrading of Tema Port has allowed larger ships to dock. The expansion and modernisation of Ghana’s port infrastructure have improved efficiency and eased port congestion. Increased efficiency and streamlined processes have lowered the cost of doing business. Port authorities are focusing on accelerating turnaround times.

New Terminal

Construction of the US$330m Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal, aimed at boosting coastal shipping and inland water transport to reduce congestion on road networks, started in November after an 18 year delay. The terminal, scheduled for completion in 2023, is expected to reduce the cost of transporting cargo to and from the middle and northern regions of Ghana. The Trans-Volta logistics project set to start in 2021, will establish an inland port network for fuel and cargo transport.

Report Coverage

This report focuses on the transport of cargo and passengers by sea and inland on Lake Volta. It includes comprehensive information on the country and its ports and water transport infrastructure, the state and size of the sector, trade statistics, regulations, developments and influencing factors including the economic environment and coronavirus. There are profiles of 21 companies including Meridian Port Services, which operates Tema port, Maersk Ghana, a major player in the liner and break-bulk segments, and Supermaritime Ghana, which has a major share of the dry bulk segment.