Felix Cofie
The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), and Metro Mass Transit Limited, with a strong caution to board members against interfering in the day-to-day operations of their respective agencies.
At a ceremony held in Accra, the Minister reminded the Boards of their strategic oversight roles and urged them to adhere strictly to governance frameworks and reporting lines.
“The Board is under the supervision of the Ministry and must not bypass it under any circumstance,” he stated. “Teamwork and adherence to good governance principles are essential to achieving our goals.”
Ports as Drivers of Growth
Addressing the GPHA Board, Hon. Nikpe emphasized the critical role Ghana’s ports play in national development and reiterated government’s vision to transform the transport and logistics sector into a 24-hour economy.
He praised the successful completion of the Tema Port Terminal 3 project, describing it as a model of what strategic infrastructure investment can achieve.
“Ghana’s ports are central to international trade and have the potential to significantly boost our GDP,” he noted.
The Minister outlined key priorities for the new GPHA Board:
• Restructuring management at Tema and Takoradi Ports to align with the landlocked port concept.
• Enhancing regional transit trade.
• Exploring private sector partnerships for developing the Keta Port.
• Reducing the high cost of doing business at the ports.
He also highlighted persistent challenges including multiple agencies at ports, excessive shipping charges, and stiff competition from neighbouring ports.
GPHA Board Members
The new GPHA Board is chaired by veteran politician Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. Other members include:
1. Brig. Gen. Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono
2. Mrs. Mabel Asi Sagoe
3. Mr. Tebon Zumah
4. Capt. James Richmond Quayson
5. Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo
6. Mr. Stephane Abbas Meizan
7. Mr. Adam Imoru Ayarna
8. Mr. Ebenezer Perry Ellis
9. Hon. Dan Abdul-Latif, MP
“We are confident in your diverse expertise and trust that you will help reset Ghana’s transport sector for inclusive and sustainable growth,” the Minister added.Caution to Ghana Maritime Authority Board
Inaugurating the Ghana Maritime Authority Board, the Minister issued a similar warning against bypassing the Ministry or acting without proper consultation.
“The Board should not under any circumstance deal with other Authorities above the Ministry without due consultation,” he stressed.He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Board and ensuring a clear line of communication and collaboration.
Ghana Maritime Authority Board Members
The GMA Board is chaired by Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah, and includes representatives from maritime, military, academia, and civil society:
2. Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Capt. Navy (Rtd)
3. Mr. Richard Fedieley
4. Dr. Eric Cobbinah
5. Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing
6. Mr. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo
7. Dr. Patrick Essien
8. Brg. Gen. Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono
9. Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo
10. Mr. Stephen T. Adjokatcher
11. Mr. Adam Imoru Ayarna
12. Madam Catherine Dela Dzivenu
13. Madam Esther Gyebi-Donkor
Metro Mass Transit Board Also Inaugurated
The Minister also inaugurated the new Board of Metro Mass Transit Limited, chaired by Okogyeman Kweku Gyamprah III, stressing the need for revitalizing public transport to serve the masses more efficiently.
The three inaugurations mark a renewed effort by the government to reset the transport sector and align its leadership with President Mahama’s development vision.
“Together, we can transform the sector and make it a key enabler of job creation, trade, and national growth,” the Minister concluded.
