The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called on agencies within the transport sector to prioritise accountability, innovation and timely project execution to improve service delivery and support the government's economic transformation agenda.

Speaking at the opening of the Ministry of Transport's 2026 Sector Review Retreat in Ho, Volta Region, the Minister said transport remains critical to national productivity, mobility and competitiveness. He urged agencies to align their operations with the government's 24-hour economy policy and broader development objectives.

According to him, the annual retreat provides an opportunity for the ministry and its agencies to assess performance, review ongoing projects and programmes, identify challenges and outline priorities for the sector.

Mr. Nikpe said discussions during the retreat would focus on public financial management, corporate governance and institutional performance, areas he noted require continuous improvement.

He also stressed the need for innovation and adaptability, noting that the transport sector must respond to changing conditions and growing public expectations.

The Minister highlighted a number of priority projects, including plans to establish a national airline, expand airport infrastructure, improve maritime operations and advance rail development.

He cited ongoing developments in the aviation sector, including airport infrastructure improvements and the introduction of digital travel support systems to enhance passenger experience.

In the maritime sector, he disclosed that dredging works are underway at ports to improve operational efficiency and facilitate the movement of goods and passengers. He added that efforts are also being made to expand coastal water transport services.

Mr. Nikpe further identified the operationalisation of the Tema-Mpakadan railway line and the development of sections of the Western Rail Line as key priorities.

He urged heads of agencies to ensure projects are delivered within approved timelines and produce measurable outcomes, stressing that agencies would be held accountable for implementation and results.

The Minister also cautioned against delays in project execution, saying agencies must provide clear explanations for setbacks and outline measures being taken to address them.

On road safety, he described the increasing number of road crashes and fatalities as a major concern and called for stronger collaboration among transport agencies to improve safety and service delivery.

Mr. Nikpe announced plans to establish an intermodal coordination unit to strengthen cooperation among agencies and improve reporting within the sector.

He also called for proactive measures to address labour-related disputes, particularly in the rail sector, warning that unresolved issues could affect service delivery and increase the cost of doing business.

Speaking on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, the Director of Development and Economic Planning at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Felix Adom Boateng, commended the ministry for selecting the Volta Region to host the retreat.

He said the programme provides an opportunity to review sector performance and explore strategies to improve transport services. Mr. Boateng also reiterated the region's readiness to collaborate with the ministry on the proposed Volta Economic Corridor, including efforts to utilise the region's water bodies to support transportation and economic activity.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, William Kartey, encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and identify priority projects that will advance the government's development agenda.

He said regular institutional reviews are necessary to assess performance, identify challenges and develop practical solutions to improve outcomes across the sector.

Mr. Kartey urged participants to ensure that deliberations at the retreat result in clear decisions, defined priorities and measurable outcomes that benefit the country.