Mahama commissions Tema Port expansion, positions Ghana as West Africa’s maritime gateway
President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned Phases 1 and 2 of the Tema Port expansion project, calling it a major milestone in Ghana’s ambition to become a leading logistics and trade hub in West Africa. The ceremony on November 13, 2025, underscored the strategic importance of this infrastructure for national development.
The expansion, carried out through a private-public partnership between the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority and Meridian Port Services (with partners such as APM Terminals), is valued at approximately US$1.5 billion. According to the President, the project will create jobs, attract investment, and significantly enhance Ghana’s cargo handling capacity. He described the upgraded port infrastructure as central to his administration’s plan to boost Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Mahama emphasised that the new Tema Port, with its expanded capacity and modern facilities, will reduce turnaround times for vessels and improve import and export efficiency. He said the development will make Ghana more attractive to international trade partners, driving down the cost of goods and enhancing the country’s reputation as a reliable maritime gate.
In his address, the President declared that this port expansion marks the realisation of a long-held national vision: to establish Ghana as the gateway to West Africa. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging maritime infrastructure as the backbone of economic transformation, with stronger logistics capacity driving growth across multiple sectors.
The Tema Port’s transformation also includes steps to improve rail connectivity. In a related move, Mahama has directed the extension of the railway line from Tema Port to the adjacent Dawa Industrial Enclave, which will support cargo movement and industrial development. This integrated transport plan aims to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen Ghana’s role in regional trade corridors.
Officials from the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority praised the partnership model, affirming that much of the cost of expansion has been borne by private investors rather than the state. The President reiterated that the government did not use public funds for the project, making it a smart, sustainable investment that does not burden national finances.
Economists and infrastructure experts believe the port expansion will be a game changer for Ghana’s trade ambitions. By enhancing port capacity and operational efficiency, Ghana can attract more container traffic, serve as a transshipment hub, and position itself as a gateway for landlocked West African countries seeking reliable maritime connectivity.
As the newly expanded Tema Port begins full operations, the global and regional logistics community will be watching closely. If successful, this port expansion could redefine Ghana’s role in West Africa — shaping its future as a premier maritime and economic hub.
