Industry leaders and policymakers in Ghana’s transport and logistics sector have called for intensified collaboration to address systemic bottlenecks hindering growth, during the inaugural Transport and Logistics Sector CEOs Breakfast Meeting in Accra.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana President Engr. Mark Amoamah emphasized the need for collective action to tackle issues ranging from infrastructure gaps to rising operational costs, framing the dialogue as critical for national development.
“This platform allows sector leaders to step away from daily operations and engage candidly on issues shaping our industry,” Amoamah said, advocating for regular strategic meetings to foster knowledge sharing among CEOs, policymakers, and stakeholders. He highlighted urban congestion, road safety concerns, and high freight charges as key barriers limiting the sector’s potential despite its role as an economic backbone.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe echoed these concerns, acknowledging the sector’s underperformance as both an economic catalyst and social service provider. “Efficient transport systems unlock socioeconomic opportunities, but inefficiencies directly hinder growth and quality of life,” Nikpe stated. He cited persistent challenges such as port delays and road congestion, urging stakeholders to prioritize collaborative solutions.
The minister commended CILT Ghana for its contributions to professional development, noting that over 6,500 logistics experts trained by the institute now serve in government agencies, including his ministry. “CILT’s work has raised industry standards and reinforced policy advocacy,” he said, linking skilled workforce development to long-term sectoral resilience.
The dialogue comes as Ghana seeks to optimize its logistics corridors amid regional trade expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). However, aging infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, and fluctuating freight costs remain persistent hurdles. Analysts note that while private sector innovation has driven partial improvements, systemic reforms require coordinated public-private efforts.
Ghana’s push for stakeholder alignment mirrors broader trends across West Africa, where governments are increasingly leaning on industry expertise to modernize transport networks. The World Bank estimates that logistics inefficiencies cost African economies up to 2% of GDP annually, underscoring the urgency of Ghana’s strategy.
As the country positions itself as a regional trade hub, the success of initiatives like CILT’s CEO forums could influence similar collaborative models elsewhere on the continent. Yet, tangible outcomes will depend on sustained political will, investment in multimodal infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of safety protocols to transform dialogue into actionable progress.
