President John Mahama has announced that a private investor has expressed readiness to establish a major ferry service in Tema to connect Ghana with several West African countries.

Speaking at the commissioning of Phases 1 and 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project, President Mahama said the proposed ferries will transport vehicles, passengers, and cargo between Ghana and neighbouring states, reducing the pressure on road transport and improving regional trade.

He assured that the government will provide full support to ensure the project becomes a reality.

The President, who first envisioned and officially launched the port expansion in November 2016 during his first full term, praised the project as a transformational asset for Ghana's maritime industry.

The $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion Project, executed through a partnership involving Meridian Port Services (MPS), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), APM Terminals and Africa Global Logistics, has been recognised as one of the most ambitious port infrastructure developments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

President Mahama described the public-private partnership as a successful model that continues to yield immense benefits for GPHA.

“And I must say, the first terminal in the old port, that was the first terminal MPS built, today is wholly owned and operated by GPHA. So GPHA earns money from that berth in the old port. This has been a win-win partnership,” he noted.

He also dismissed past political accusations that he had sold the port, asserting that the new terminal did not even exist at the time the claims were made.

“Today, I’m proud that the biggest vessels in the world that enter the biggest ports in Dubai and Los Angeles come into Tema Port,” he added.

President Mahama further said the ferry service, once established, will offer a safer and more efficient alternative to transporting goods by road.

“A private sector maritime operator has approached us to establish a ferry service for countries on the West African coast to be located here in Tema. The ferries will carry vehicles, passengers and goods… If we have that service, it will help supplement sending cargo always by road. You can go by ferry with your goods to Nigeria,” he explained.

The CEO of Meridian Port Services, Mohamed Samara, praised President Mahama for his foresight in initiating the port expansion project nearly a decade ago, emphasising its long-term impact on Ghana’s competitiveness in global trade.