The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called on agencies within the transport sector to intensify collaboration, strengthen accountability, and accelerate the implementation of priority projects to support Ghana’s economy.

He made the call at the opening of the 2026 Transport Sector Strategic Retreat, which brought together the management of the Ministry, Heads of Agencies, Board Chairpersons, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport, and key stakeholders across the sector.

The two-day retreat was organised to review the sector’s performance over the past year, assess progress on key interventions, address implementation challenges, and align strategies with the Government’s development priorities, particularly the 24-Hour Economy Policy and the National Resetting Agenda.

In his address, Hon. Nikpe described the transport sector as a critical enabler of economic growth, trade, productivity, mobility and national competitiveness, stressing the need for institutions within the sector to move beyond planning and focus on tangible results.

“The transport sector is central to economic transformation, and it must therefore be led with clarity and urgency. The sector supports trade, productivity, mobility and national competitiveness,” the Minister stated.

He noted that efficient transportation systems remained essential to achieving industrial growth, regional integration and sustained productivity, adding that the sector must continue to prioritise safety, efficiency, reliability, inclusivity and customer satisfaction.

The Minister stressed that the Government’s vision for the 24-hour economy required efficient movement of people, goods and services, supported by robust infrastructure, responsive institutions and effective leadership. He therefore charged the Heads of Agencies to drive innovation, improve coordination, and ensure alignment with national priorities.

Reviewing progress made since the previous retreat, Hon. Nikpe highlighted significant developments across the Aviation, Maritime and Inland Waterways, Railway and Road Transport Services Sub-sectors.

In the Aviation Sub-sector, he cited ongoing efforts toward establishing a national airline, the repurposing of Terminal 2 at the Accra International Airport, the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3, and the recent launch of Ghana’s E-Visa platform, which leverages the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems to improve travel facilitation and border management.

Within the Maritime and Inland Waterways Sub-sector, the Minister outlined progress on initiatives aimed at enhancing port efficiency and logistics competitiveness. These include the implementation of 24-hour operations and the dredging works at the Tema Port, the development of regulations to operationalise the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), advancement of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal project, and plans for a Coastal Water Transport System to complement the national road network.

He further indicated that the Road Transport Services Sub-sector continued to focus on reviewing the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, improving road safety, expanding Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) services, and strengthening public transport through fleet renewal programmes for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) and Intercity STC Coaches Limited.

In the Railway Sub-sector, he noted that efforts remained centred on the operationalisation of the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line and the continued development of the remaining sections of the Western Railway Line.

The Minister underscored the need for the Agencies to improve execution and accountability, stressing that their performance would be measured by implementation outcomes, timeliness and impact.

Hon. Bukari Nikpe called for a stronger intermodal integration across road, rail, maritime and inland waterways transport systems to improve trade facilitation, urban mobility, and regional connectivity.

He also expressed concern about persistent road traffic fatalities and urged stakeholders to intensify road safety interventions through stronger enforcement, safer vehicles, enhanced public education, and greater compliance with traffic regulations.

Addressing institutional challenges confronting the sector, the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining industrial harmony.

“Industrial harmony in the sector is not optional; it is imperative. I therefore take this opportunity to call on agency heads to take early action to prevent avoidable disruptions, resolve tensions before they escalate, and ensure that the public does not bear the cost of institutional lapses”, he stressed.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. William Kartey, welcomed participants and described the strategic retreat as a vital platform for assessing performance and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across the sector.

According to him, the annual review meeting provides an opportunity for the Ministry and its Agencies to evaluate progress on priority projects and programmes while developing practical solutions to implementation challenges.

He urged participants to remain innovative and responsive to emerging developments within the transport industry while maintaining focus on long-term strategic objectives.

The retreat is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide the Ministry and its agencies in advancing key sector priorities, improving service delivery and supporting the Government’s broader economic transformation agenda.