Ghana Commissions Completed Phases 1 & 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project

Tema, Ghana – Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS), the partnership between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), APM Terminals, and Africa Global Logistics (AGL), has officially commissioned the completed Phases 1 & 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project—marking one of the largest port infrastructure achievements in West Africa.

The ceremony, held at MPS Terminal 3, brought together national leaders, international partners, industry stakeholders, and diplomatic representatives. The event featured goodwill messages from the project’s joint venture partners and a keynote address from H.E. the President of the Republic of Ghana, affirming the country’s strategic ambition to become the premier logistics and maritime hub of the sub-region.

A Transformative Journey: CEO Remarks

In his opening address, Mohamed Samara, CEO of Meridian Port Services Ltd, reflected on the remarkable journey of the Tema Port Expansion Project.

“What began as a bold vision to modernise Ghana’s maritime infrastructure has now matured into a world-class terminal serving as the backbone of national and regional trade.”

“With the completion of Phases 1 and 2, Tema Port now stands among the most efficient ports on the African continent; delivering faster vessel turnaround, greater capacity, digitalised operations, and a safer, more sustainable working environment.”

Samara emphasised that the project achieved its core objectives: enhancing global competitiveness, enabling larger vessel calls, improving transit and transhipment potential, generating thousands of jobs, and catalysing economic growth.

“This milestone belongs to all of us; our staff, MPS shareholders, government institutions, business partners, and the people of Ghana. Together, we have built a national asset that will serve present and future generations.”

Goodwill Messages from Strategic Partners

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)

Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye‑Kulono, Director General of GPHA, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to continuous port modernisation:

“Today’s commissioning is a testament to what strong public–private partnerships can achieve. The expanded Terminal 3 strengthens Ghana’s position as a preferred maritime gateway and supports our long-term vision to make GPHA a leader in port efficiency and innovation across Africa.”

He highlighted GPHA’s ongoing investments in complementary infrastructure to ensure the port’s seamless integration with national logistics corridors.

APM Terminals

Igor van den Essen, Regional Managing Director for Africa & Europe, commended the partnership that delivered the project:

“APM Terminals is proud to be part of a transformative development that significantly improves supply chain resilience for West Africa. MPS Terminal 3 now offers capabilities that match the highest global standards, and this achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.”

He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to supporting MPS in delivering sustainable operational excellence.

Africa Global Logistics (AGL)

Philippe Labonne, Président of Africa Global Logistics, highlighted the socio-economic benefits derived from the project:

“Africa is not following; Africa is leading, building the infrastructure of tomorrow. In Ghana, we have turned a beach into a gateway to the world and a platform for Africa’s sustainable growth.”

He praised MPS for its extraordinary leadership and teamwork in safety, efficiency, digitalisation, and in turning vision into reality. This expansion goes beyond infrastructure; it drives trade facilitation, jobs, and industrial growth.

AGL remains committed to supporting Ghana’s ambition to become the regional logistics hub, and we are proud of the collaborative spirit that brought us to this historic day.

Government of Ghana

Representing the Government, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, commended MPS partners for completing a project of national significance:

“The expanded Tema Port is central to our transport sector strategy. It enhances national competitiveness, boosts economic diversification, and strengthens Ghana’s role as the natural gateway to West Africa. Government will continue to create an enabling regulatory and investment environment to support port development and maritime growth.”

The Hon. Minister further noted that the project supports not only Ghana’s trade but also the transit needs of landlocked ECOWAS partners.

Keynote Address by the President of the Republic of Ghana

In his keynote address, H.E. John Dramani Mahama congratulated MPS and its shareholders for the successful completion of the project:

“This achievement proves what Ghana can accomplish when public institutions and private investors work with a shared vision for national development. The expanded Tema Port is not just a maritime facility; it is a strategic asset that strengthens our economic resilience and accelerates our journey toward becoming the regional industrial and logistics powerhouse.”

The President emphasised the port’s role in boosting trade volumes, supporting manufacturing and export diversification, and facilitating transit and transhipment for neighbouring states:

“This port will anchor Ghana’s leadership in regional commerce and serve as the gateway for prosperity across West Africa.”

His Excellency also commended Mohamed Samara’s leadership as both CEO of MPS and Tema Nɔyaa Mantse (Development Chief), and paid tribute to the late Alhaji Asuma Banda and the late Hon. Dzifa Aku Attivor for their contributions to the early stages of the project.

The President concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to modern infrastructure, sustainable growth, and improved trade competitiveness.

A New Chapter for Ghana and West Africa

With the commissioning of Phases 1 & 2, the Tema Port Expansion Project stands as a symbol of innovation, partnership, and national progress.

MPS remains committed to investment in People & Culture, safety & sustainability, promoting continuous improvement, digitalisation, and service excellence; providing economic value while ensuring that Ghana’s gateway remains the most cost-effective port in the region.