Annual cargo handled by Ghana’s Tema and Takoradi ports has continued to increase as port infrastructure modernisation progresses, according to the “Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2025” report published by Research and Markets.
The report reviews sea, coastal and inland water transport in Ghana, covering major ports and harbours, vessel calls, cargo handled, expansion plans, inland waterways, regulatory conditions and industry participants.
It notes that digital platforms have reduced cargo clearance times at Tema and Takoradi, while both ports still experience congestion during peak seasons despite ongoing expansion.
Key challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, high port charges and demurrage fees, congestion at Tema and Takoradi, high accident rates on Lake Volta due to insufficient safety measures, bureaucratic customs processes and shortages of qualified technical and managerial professionals.
The report points to opportunities linked to the construction of a new port at Keta, the development of a floating dock for ship repair at Takoradi, port expansion projects, digitalisation, and sustainable energy initiatives. It also highlights increasing regional competition for freight traffic and warns that intensified competition could affect market share.
Notable players referenced include the state-owned Volta Lake Transport Company and subsidiaries of international shipping groups such as MSC Ghana and Maersk Ghana.
The continued expansion at Tema, proposed development at Keta and the introduction of 24-hour port operations are expected to increase trade volumes and cargo throughput, though infrastructure constraints and regulatory inefficiencies remain unresolved.
Volta Lake Transport Company Ltd. is a state-owned enterprise operating inland water transport services on Lake Volta, providing passenger and cargo movement and pursuing integration with road and railway networks as part of its longer-term development plans.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Ghana Ltd. is a local subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company, an international container shipping group, and operates shipping and related maritime services within Ghana in line with the group’s global network.
Maersk Ghana Ltd. is the Ghanaian subsidiary of the A.P. Moller–Maersk group and provides shipping, logistics and maritime services in the country as part of the group’s integrated transport and supply chain operations.