The minister reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with CILT to resolve transport issues
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called for urgent reforms to transform Ghana’s transport sector into a robust economic facilitator, stressing that overcoming its current challenges will require stronger collaboration between government, industry, and professional institutions.
“We are aware that the transport sector faces a number of pressing challenges and, as such, is not operating as an effective economic facilitator or a better social service for the citizenry.
“Infrastructure challenges, high freight and port charges, congestion in our cities with road safety, etc. are just a few of the challenges that have plagued the sector over the years. Addressing these issues is a collaborative effort that requires input and partnership from all stakeholders.”
Speaking at the maiden Transport and Logistics Sector CEOs Breakfast Meeting in Accra on April 23, 2025, the minister emphasized that the sector must serve as a pillar for economic growth and development.
“Transport plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of our society. When systems operate efficiently, they open up socioeconomic opportunities and benefits that result in positive multiplier effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment, and productivity,” he said.
He acknowledged key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, high freight and port charges, and urban congestion but maintained that these issues could be resolved through stakeholder engagement.
“We, as policymakers, industry experts, and practitioners, have a choice to make regarding how to optimize the benefits and minimize the costs and inconvenience of our transportation system,” Nikpe added.
Cletus Kuzagbe, President of the CILT Fellows Guild, called attention to the need for stronger discipline and regulation in the transport space, particularly the growing commercial motorcycle (Okada) sector.
“Our problem is indiscipline. Our attitude is the problem,” he said.
“Even some of the law enforcement agencies are indisciplined. If these are properly regulated, we will have a smooth Okada business.”
International President of CILT, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, called for a cross-border collaboration in driving logistics excellence across the continent.
He praised Ghana for its leadership in hosting the event and encouraged the sharing of insights to strengthen competitiveness in the sector.
“We at CILT Ghana firmly believe that by fostering a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst our CEOs, we can collectively deliberate on pertinent issues affecting the transport, shipping, and logistics business and investments in Ghana,” he said.