Ghana’s container traffic hits record high, driven by Tema Port – GPHA

Container traffic through Ghana’s seaports has surged to its highest level in a decade, according to statistics released by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

The data shows that total container flow rate rose from 793,737 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2014 to a projected 1,701,246 TEUs in 2024, underscoring the country’s growing role as a maritime trade hub in West Africa.

The report highlights the overwhelming dominance of Tema Port, which has consistently handled more than 95 percent of national container traffic. In 2024, Tema processed 1,668,688 TEUs compared with 32,558 TEUs at Takoradi, cementing its place as the nation’s primary gateway for international shipping.

The trajectory over the past decade reflects both steady expansion and periods of volatility. After crossing the one-million TEU mark in 2016, container volumes climbed steadily before surging in 2020 and peaking at over 1.56 million TEUs in 2021.

A slowdown followed in 2022 and 2023, but the market rebounded strongly in 2024 with volumes hitting an all-time high.

Industry analysts attribute the fluctuations partly to global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic years and the subsequent recovery of international trade. The renewed growth is also being linked to infrastructure expansion at Tema Port and the boost in regional commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The GPHA data suggest that Ghana’s maritime trade outlook remains robust, though the sharp concentration of traffic at Tema raises questions about the need for capacity upgrades and diversification at Takoradi. With container volumes now at record levels, Ghana appears set to strengthen its strategic position as a logistics hub in the sub-region.

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