Keypoints:
- Task force set up for national airline
- Ports, roads, and rail receive new reforms
- Transport fair to highlight fresh innovations
GHANA has restarted its long-awaited process to establish a national airline, with a new task force inaugurated to drive the project. The announcement was made by the Minister for Transport at the opening of the Ministry’s first Strategic Review Workshop, which brought together key stakeholders to assess reforms across the aviation, maritime, road, and railway sectors.
The Minister described the workshop as an opportunity to ‘review, rethink, and reset the transport sector in line with the President’s vision of Building the Ghana We Want Together’. He added that the initiative was not only about strengthening Ghana’s connectivity but also positioning transport as a catalyst for economic growth.
Aviation reforms take centre stage
The return of the national carrier project is part of a wider set of reforms aimed at modernising aviation in Ghana. The Minister revealed that the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) system has been commissioned to enhance safety and security at airports.
At Kotoka International Airport, Terminal 2 is being repurposed to serve both domestic and international passengers. A new Air Traffic Control Tower is also under construction, a development expected to improve communication between ground staff and pilots.
In Kumasi, the runway at Prempeh Agyemang I International Airport is being extended to accommodate medium-sized aircraft. Meanwhile, in the Upper East, plans are in motion to build a new airport in Bolgatanga to improve accessibility for travellers in that region.
Shipping and ports push for efficiency
In the maritime sector, Ghana’s two main harbours — Tema and Takoradi — have begun full 24-hour operations, a move expected to ease congestion and boost trade volumes. The Ministry is also drafting new regulations to strengthen oversight in the shipping industry and improve standards.
At the same time, an Expression of Interest has been issued for the development of a Coastal Water Transport System. This project, if realised, could significantly enhance movement of goods and people between coastal communities.
Roads and licensing reforms
The Ministry has taken bold steps in road transport, securing a 15 percent reduction in public transport fares following negotiations with operators. In addition, two new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) offices have been opened in Adenta and Bole, cutting delays for commuters and service users.
The Ministry reported that it had cleared a backlog of over 266,000 driver’s licence cards and registered 7,193 earth-moving equipment, an effort aimed at formalising the sector and improving safety.
Railways back on track
The railway sector is also seeing progress. Construction has resumed on the Western Railway Line, specifically on the Manso to Huni Valley section. A new committee has been tasked with overseeing developments on the Tema-Mpakadan line and related projects, which are considered crucial for linking Ghana’s inland transport network with its ports.
The Minister stressed that investment in railways was essential for cutting transport costs, easing road congestion, and strengthening Ghana’s trade competitiveness in the sub-region.
Focus on inclusivity and innovation
The government is also pushing for inclusivity in transport planning. The Minister called on operators to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the introduction of boarding ramps and other assistive features.
The National Road Safety Authority has been directed to intensify awareness among service providers, ensuring that accessibility becomes a standard feature of transport delivery.
Looking to the future, the Ministry has announced that it will host a Transport and Logistics Fair on Friday, August 22, 2025. The event will showcase innovations, highlight investment-ready projects, and provide space for fresh policy dialogue between government, investors, and industry leaders.
New leadership and collaboration
During the workshop, the Minister also introduced the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, urging stakeholders to support her in advancing the Ministry’s agenda.
‘As leaders, we are expected to play our roles and position the sector as the engine of growth, driving development in other sectors of the economy,’ he said.
The Strategic Review Workshop is expected to conclude with a set of actionable strategies that will strengthen Ghana’s transport infrastructure and cement the country’s status as a logistics hub in West Africa.
