The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Tema Shipyard and Drydock, charging members to spearhead a bold transformation of the strategic maritime asset and position Ghana as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on February 27, 2026, the Minister described the reconstitution of the Board as a pivotal step in government’s broader Reset Agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at restoring sustained socio economic growth and strengthening key national institutions.

He noted that Ghana’s ports and associated infrastructure remain central to boosting trade, economic expansion and gross domestic product growth, particularly within the framework of the government’s 24 Hour Economy policy.

“The Tema Shipyard and Drydock is not just a facility but a strategic national asset established by our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” the Minister said. “For Ghana to harness the full potential of our Blue Economy resources, our maritime infrastructure must be world class, efficient and commercially viable.”

The Minister underscored government’s priority to retool and revamp the shipyard through private sector partnerships, modernisation of infrastructure and the injection of technical expertise. He stressed the facility’s potential to create jobs for Ghana’s youth and deepen local participation in the maritime value chain.

He further revealed plans to collaborate with the private sector to establish technical schools focused on shipbuilding and repair, in order to equip Ghanaians with industry specific skills. The shipyard, he added, could also provide fabrication, repair and engineering services to Ghana’s oil and gas sector.

The Minister urged the new Board to modernise infrastructure, explore Public Private Partnerships, ensure transparency and accountability, and address bottlenecks that have hindered the facility’s global competitiveness. He cautioned the Board against interfering in the day to day management of the company, reminding members to operate within established governance frameworks under the supervision of the Ministry.

The newly inaugurated Board is chaired by Dr. George Sipa Adjah Yankey, with members including Alhaji Osman Sulemana, Millicent Wutsika, Mahama Adam Jandah, Samuel Bavug Wusah, Kofi A. Asmah, Abubakari Muaz Zemoli, Obed Koah Opintan and Albert Derrick Fiatui.

Responding on behalf of the Board, Chairman Dr. Yankey expressed appreciation to the President and the Minister for the confidence reposed in them.

“We shall work assiduously with Management and Staff to move the Tema Drydock and Shipbuilding Company to the next level,” he said. “By the end of our term, we expect the company to be not only the envy of West Africa, but an active and competitive player in the drydock and shipbuilding industry in Africa.”

Dr. Yankey pledged the Board’s commitment to supporting government’s Reset Agenda and the 24 Hour Economy programme, describing the shipyard as a potential linchpin of round the clock industrial activity. He noted that the company has already commenced a three shift system and assured that the Board would ensure it remains productive and sustainable.

However, he acknowledged that significant retooling is required, including the acquisition of critical equipment such as Computer Numerical Control machines, cranes and winches. Skills upgrading, he added, would also be necessary to meet evolving industry demands.

As Ghana seeks to deepen its Blue Economy potential and expand industrial capacity, the revitalisation of the Tema Shipyard and Drydock is expected to play a central role in job creation, maritime competitiveness and broader economic transformation.