The 9^th Ghana CEO Summit & Expo was held in Accra under the distinguished patronage of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, whose enduring leadership and commitment to economic transformation continue to inspire the nation’s business community. The event, a gathering of top executives and thought leaders, also served as a platform to honour exemplary leadership across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Among the notable honourees was Mr. Mohamed Samara, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Port Services Ltd. (MPS), who was awarded CEO of the Year – Maritime & Port Services (Private Sector) at the prestigious Ghana CEO Excellence Awards. The recognition highlights his outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative contributions to Ghana’s maritime and logistics sector.

In a crowning achievement, Mr. Samara was also conferred the Overall CEO of the Year, a recognition reserved for a trailblazing leader whose impact, vision, and commitment have transcended industry boundaries to influence national economic development.

In the interview at the event, Mr. Samara shared strategic insights into what is needed to solidify Ghana’s ports as true West African gateways for global commerce. He stated:

“Ghana has already taken significant strides, particularly with the development of MPS Terminal 3 at Tema Port, a world-class facility, meticulously designed and expertly staffed to meet the demands of global trade and set new benchmarks in port competitiveness.”

He elaborated further:

• World-Class Infrastructure: MPS Terminal 3 is a flagship investment with modern, high-capacity infrastructure capable of handling the largest vessels in global trade.

• Digitalisation & AI Integration: Well trained workforce that operates with advanced digital systems and AI-powered processes that enhance operational efficiency, productivity, customer service, and high safety & security standards.

• Strategic Reach: MPS Terminal 3 is already the first port of call for multiple global shipping lines, and supporting landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger.

• Transhipment Leadership: The terminal is positioning itself as a strategic hub for transhipment. Consolidating Ghana’s place in the regional and global logistics network, MPS Terminal 3 is serving trade flows between West African Ports (Cameroon to Senegal) and the rest of the world.

In outlining a path forward, Mr. Samara identified four critical reforms needed to reinforce Ghana’s competitiveness:

1. Streamline Regulatory Frameworks: Simplify and harmonise customs and regulatory procedures to accelerate cargo clearance, reduce costs, and boost Ghana’s appeal as a regional trade corridor.

2. Develop Enabling Infrastructure: Invest in road, rail, energy, and digital connectivity to facilitate hinterland trade, agri-processing, and industrialisation, enabling smooth flow of goods within and beyond Ghana’s borders.

3. Establish Industrial and Economic Zones: Develop structured, litigation-free zones near ports to attract manufacturing and processing industries, thereby adding value at the point of entry.

4. Operationalise AfCFTA Protocols: Align national policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to connect Ghanaian industries with a continental market of 1.3 billion consumers, a third of whom live along the West African coast.

Mr. Samara’s call for reform is both timely and visionary, as Ghana positions itself to not only lead in maritime logistics but also to anchor a new era of industrial growth and regional integration.