President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 13, 2025, officially commissioned the expanded Tema Port, describing the multibillion-dollar development as “one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa’s maritime sector,” and a major step toward cementing Ghana’s role as the gateway to West Africa.

The ceremony marked the completion of phases one and two of the landmark public–private partnership between Meridian Port Services (MPS), APM Terminals and other international partners.

President Mahama noted that the innovative financing model — which required no government funding — demonstrated Ghana’s ability to attract private capital for national development.

A New Era for Maritime Competitiveness

Addressing key stakeholders, President Mahama said the expanded facility represented more than improved port infrastructure.

“This project is more than a Ghanaian achievement. It is an African statement,” he declared.

He emphasised the port’s strategic role in strengthening regional trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat was based in Accra.

With its enhanced capacity, deeper berths and advanced operational systems, the new Tema Port now serves as the preferred first-call terminal for major shipping lines entering the Gulf of Guinea. Mother vessels can now offload containers in Tema, which are then redistributed by feeder vessels to ports in Monrovia, Freetown, Dakar, Douala and other West African destinations.

The upgrade also reinforces Ghana’s position as the primary transit hub for landlocked neighbours Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The expansion has generated thousands of jobs across both its construction and operational phases. The increased activity has boosted a wide range of supporting industries, including logistics, transportation, warehousing, engineering, hospitality and maintenance.

President Mahama highlighted the broader economic ripple effects, noting that the project had spurred “enterprise and innovation” across the economic ecosystem, contributing to Ghana’s industrial diversification and long-term growth.

Showcasing Ghanaian Innovation

In a significant milestone for local technological advancement, the president revealed that the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm powering the port’s operational systems was developed by young Ghanaian engineers.

He further announced that additional equipment was expected to arrive by early 2027 — an upgrade he said will elevate efficiency and help Tema Port achieve its goal of becoming “the fastest-turnaround port in Africa”.

Future Outlook: Automation, Technology and Sustainability

President Mahama called for sustained investment in next-generation technologies to ensure the port remained competitive in an evolving global trade environment. He emphasised the need for automation and digital systems to drive efficiency.

Reflecting on the project’s long-term legacy, he added: “A hundred years from now, I wonder how many of us will be alive — but our children and grandchildren will be here operating these ports.”

Government Commitment

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting large-scale private-sector investment, President Mahama officially declared phases one and two of the expansion commissioned. He described the completed facility as a symbol of what visionary policy, private investment and national ambition could achieve.

The expanded Tema Port now stands as a regional maritime powerhouse — and a blueprint for Africa’s future infrastructure transformation.