Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, says investing in the technical skills and professional development of port workers is critical to improving service delivery and preparing Ghana's ports for digital transformation.
Speaking at a port industry event at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, Mr. Nikpe said progress in the maritime sector should not be measured by economic performance alone, but also by environmental protection and human capacity.
"Progress must not be measured only by economic performance but also progress has to be measured by the ability that we endeavor to promote our business and also continue to protect our environment in which we operate," he said.
According to him, the workforce remains central to the success of the ports.
"Our people remain central to our success. We must invest in professional training, digital skills, technical experience and leadership development to prepare our workforce for changing demands of our maritime and logistics industry," the Minister stated.
Mr. Nikpe added that Ghana has an opportunity to strengthen its position as the leading logistics gateway for the West African sub-region, but that will require reliable services, competitive costs and efficient procedures.
He said ports must support not only national needs but also the broader ambitions of African trade and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Minister further stressed the need for collaboration among government, GPHA, private operators, customers and stakeholders across the transport and logistics value chain to achieve service, partnership and progress.
"We all are aware that the industry in which we are is responsible for over 80% of world trade. Therefore, a greater responsibility is on us to ensure that it succeeds," he said.