The Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has met Agency heads and Chairpersons of Boards at the 2023 Transport Sector Strategic Review Meeting. The meeting was aimed at evaluating the progress and effectiveness of ongoing programs and projects in the transportation sector, identifying areas for improvement and further development.
Addressing the participants at the meeting, the Minister stated the importance of assessing progress and planning for the future, emphasizing the significance of preparation and its role in achieving success.
Hon Ofori Asiamah recalled the recommendations made during the 2022 review meeting, which included scaling up monitoring and enforcement activities on maritime and inland waterways, strengthening enforcement and compliance for road safety, implementing mandatory refresher training for commercial vehicle drivers, improving the fleet situation for the Metro Mass Transit Limited, building technical capacity for the maritime industry, and addressing shippers' complaints on freight handling at the airport.
He also noted significant events that had taken place after the last review meeting, which included the successful hosting of the first International Green Shipping Conference in Accra. The conference brought together representatives from 17 African countries to discuss opportunities and challenges related to the decarbonization of international shipping. “Following this event, I have been tasked with advocating for decarbonization in shipping across the African continent”, he added.
The Minister commended the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for achieving the ISO certification (ISO 9001:2015) for its driver licensing and associated training services, enhancing the credibility of the Authority's activities on a global level.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was recognized for its efforts in ensuring passengers' safety, security, and comfort on British Airways flights to Accra, leading to an increase in the frequency of flights.
The Minister highlighted several achievements in the sub-sectors, including the progress towards launching a home-based carrier to be called "Ghana Air" and the feasibility study completion for a new airport in the Central, Western or between the two regions in the aviation sub-sector.
In the maritime and inland waterways sub-sector, the Minister noted, progress had been made in the selection of a strategic investor for the Keta Port Project, with six firms shortlisted for the Request for Proposals stage. Construction of the 12 Coastal Fish landing sites at various locations along the coast of Ghana has been completed, which will resolve challenges faced by the artisanal fishing industry.
The 2 fishing ports at Elmina and Jamestown, he announced, the Elmina fishing port had been completed and commissioned by the President of Ghana, while the Jamestown fishing port was 60 percent complete and would be completed and commissioned by the first quarter of 2024.
In the road transport services sub-sector, the Minister noted, that the first batch of VDL 45 buses had been commissioned for the Metro Mass Transport Limited, with the remaining 55 buses expected to be delivered later in the year.
The Ministry, he added, was also actively working on developing a national electric vehicle policy and framework for electric mobility, aligning with global commitments on climate change and national stakeholders’ consultation was to be soon.
The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing women's participation in the transport sector, calling for access to technical training, capacity building, and increased representation in the sector. He also stressed the need for succession planning and continuous workforce development to ensure the sector's sustainability.
Hon. Ofori Asiamah urged board chairpersons and agency heads to prioritize initiatives that can be completed on schedule. He stressed the importance of avoiding labour unrest and complying with the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act to maintain accountability and prevent audit infractions.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their support and cooperation, acknowledging the contributions of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers' Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and the National Road Safety Authority in organizing the strategic review meeting.
