Container traffic at ports rises by 27.8% to over 1.7m in 2024
Ghana’s ports recorded a major jump in container traffic in 2024, handling 1,701,246 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), a 27.8 per cent increase from 1,226,635 TEUs in 2023, according to new data from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
The rise signals a strong rebound in maritime trade and growing movement of standardised shipping containers through the country’s two key seaports.
Tema Port alone handled over 1.6 million TEUs, while Takoradi Port processed just over 32,000 TEUs.
Historical figures show the sharp turnaround: 2018: 1,056,780 TEUs; 2019: 1,048,370 TEUs; 2020: 1,287,080 TEUs; 2021: 1,562,000 TEUs; 2022: 1,244,240 TEUs; 2023: 1,226,635 TEUs and 024: 1,701,246 TEUs
After dipping in 2022, volumes stabilised in 2023 and surged last year, reflecting stronger trade flows and improved port efficiency.
Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Acting Director-General of GPHA, described the growth as a vote of confidence in Ghana’s maritime sector.
He outlined measures to sustain competitiveness, including plans to scrap taxes on goods in transit, a long-standing industry request aimed at reducing the cost of doing business.
“We have certain taxes and levies imposed on goods and services that make the cost of doing business high. Eliminating such charges will ease pressure on importers and exporters and attract more transit cargo through Ghanaian ports,” Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono said.
The Acting Director-General also highlighted digital transformation initiatives aimed at cutting turnaround times and boosting operational efficiency.
“The Authority will roll out a comprehensive digital platform next year to streamline processes and further reduce delays,” he added.
