Ghana has become the first country from the Sub-Saharan Region to have officially been admitted to the Council of Ministers of Transport, the organisation's highest statutory body, at this year’s International Transport Forum (ITF) summit held at the Congress Centre Leipzig, in Germany, under the theme “Funding Resilient Transport”.

ITF is the world’s largest gathering of Transport Ministers and the premier global transport policy event. It is hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Global Summit of Transport Ministers every year. This year’s summit explored ways to mobilise the investments and financing strategies needed to strengthen the resilience of transport systems for long-term connectivity, efficiency, and reliability in transport infrastructure and operations.

Delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana, the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described Ghana’s admission into the global transport body as both an honour and a responsibility, adding that Ghana viewed the decision as a strong endorsement of the country’s efforts toward building a transport system that was modern, inclusive, safe, sustainable, resilient, and environmentally responsible.

According to Hon. Nikpe, Ghana’s membership in the International Transport Forum comes at an important time in the country’s national development journey, as the government continues to pursue reforms and investments across the transport sector to improve mobility, facilitate trade, and drive economic growth. He added that the government remained focused on strengthening road transport systems, modernising maritime and port services, revitalising railway infrastructure, and improving integration across all modes of transport.

He reiterated that transport development should directly improve the lives of citizens by creating easier access to markets, jobs, schools, and for communities seeking opportunities through better access and mobility.

“Transport is not only about movement, but it is also about economic transformation, social inclusion, competitiveness, dignity, and above all, it is about connecting people to opportunities,” he stated.

The Minister also mentioned that international cooperation was key in addressing the evolving challenges facing the global transport sector, including climate pressures, technological advancements, logistics demands, and the need for stronger regional connectivity.

He also noted that Ghana was prepared to actively participate in the work of the ITF to share experiences, learn from international best practices, and contribute to policy discussions that promote safer and more sustainable transport systems, whilst indicating the importance of Ghana as the gateway to West Africa and the critical role it plays in regional integration and economic development across the African continent.

Hon. Nikpe assured the council that Ghana’s admission into the ITF would strengthen the country’s engagement with global transport communities for policy collaboration, innovation exchange, and strategic partnership that would improve transport infrastructure and services nationwide, whilst positioning the country as a leading transport and logistics hub within the West African Sub-Region.

The Azerbaijan Minister for Digital Development and Transport and President of ITF, Rashad Nabiyev, in welcoming the new members, acknowledged their values, stating that Ghana was expanding its role as a transport hub for West Africa, investing in rail, port, and aviation infrastructure to serve as the gateway for landlocked neighbours across the Sub-Saharan Region.