Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has urged Ghanaian and private sector entities to boost investment in the nation’s transport sector, emphasizing its crucial role in modernizing infrastructure, expanding services, and accelerating national development. The appeal was made during the Ministry of Transport’s 2026 Sector Strategic Review Retreat in Ho, Volta Region, where stakeholders convened to assess performance and define future priorities.
Context: A Sector in Transition
The transport sector in Ghana is a cornerstone of economic activity, facilitating trade, enabling commerce, and connecting communities. Historically, government funding has played a significant role, but the increasing demands for modernization, expansion, and efficiency necessitate a broader funding base. This retreat served as a platform to review progress over the past 18 months and chart a course for continued development across all sub-sectors.
Driving Growth Through Private Participation
Minister Nikpe highlighted that the government alone cannot meet the substantial financial requirements of the transport sector. He stressed the critical importance of enhanced collaboration with private investors to unlock new opportunities and improve transportation services. Attracting private capital is seen as essential for supporting Ghana’s broader economic transformation agenda.
“A modern and efficient transport system is fundamental to economic growth, trade facilitation and national competitiveness,” the Minister stated. This sentiment underscores the government’s strategic focus on leveraging private sector expertise and capital to achieve its development goals.
Enhancing Safety on Inland Waterways
Addressing persistent concerns regarding accidents on the Volta Lake, Minister Nikpe revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed intensified safety enforcement on inland waterways. The Ministry is deploying safety officers to bolster public education and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, including the mandatory use of life jackets and approved vessels.
“The safety of passengers remains our priority. We are taking decisive measures to improve compliance and reduce preventable accidents on our waterways,” he assured, signaling a commitment to protecting lives and improving the reliability of water transport.
Aviation Sector Poised for Expansion
The aviation sector demonstrated notable progress, with the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Opare, reporting that the redevelopment of Terminal Two at Kotoka International Airport is 73 percent complete and on schedule. This transformation will convert the facility from a domestic terminal to one capable of handling both domestic and international flights.
The project is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience, increase operational capacity, and solidify Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub. This expansion is vital for boosting tourism and international trade.
Metro Mass Transit Plans Fleet Overhaul
In the road transport segment, the Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited, Cezar Kale, announced ambitious plans to expand public transportation services. The company aims to procure at least 1,000 mixed-fleet buses by the end of 2026.
This initiative is designed to improve service delivery, broaden route coverage, and meet the escalating demand for affordable and dependable public transport. The expansion is anticipated to alleviate commuting burdens for thousands of passengers and enhance mobility across both urban and rural areas.
Sector Outlook: A Strategic Investment Hub
The retreat’s discussions consistently pointed towards the government’s overarching vision: to build a safer, more efficient, and integrated transport network that actively supports Ghana’s economic growth. From infrastructure upgrades in aviation to expanding public bus services and improving waterway safety, the need for sustained investment and robust public-private partnerships was a recurring theme.
Stakeholders agreed that these partnerships are essential for bridging funding gaps and accelerating the development pace. The retreat concluded with a clear call to action for industry players and potential investors, positioning Ghana’s transport sector as a strategic area ripe for investment, with the government actively seeking private sector involvement to usher in a new era of transformation and growth.
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