In a landmark development, Ghana has secured a significant bilateral agreement with Togo, projected to bring in over $25 million annually. The deal grants Togo access to Ghana’s modernized port facilities at Tema and Takoradi, positioning Ghana as a leader in regional maritime trade.
The agreement, signed in 2022, is a direct result of Ghana’s successful port modernization project, which saw a $150 million investment to upgrade the nation’s port infrastructure. The project under the leadership of Richard Manu, Head of Regional Administration at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), increased the ports’ cargo handling capacity by 30% and introduced cutting-edge automation systems that reduced cargo dwell time by 25%. These advancements have made Ghana’s ports a benchmark for efficiency in West Africa, outshining other regional players such as Nigeria’s Lagos Port.
Richard Manu, speaking to ECOWAS News, emphasized the significance of the agreement:
“This bilateral agreement not only solidifies Ghana’s leadership in West African port infrastructure but also strengthens our trade relations with Togo. By offering access to our advanced port systems, we are generating substantial revenue while positioning Ghana as a crucial hub for trade across the region.”
The agreement allows Togo to utilize Ghana’s state-of-the-art cargo handling, tracking, and warehousing facilities, significantly benefiting both nations’ trade sectors. Togo, with its rapidly growing economy and increasing trade volumes, gains access to world-class port infrastructure, which will bolster its ability to handle larger cargo loads and improve trade logistics along the West African coast.
Commenting on the deal, an ECOWAS trade official, Samuel Nyarko, praised the bilateral agreement, stating:
“This partnership sets a precedent for regional collaboration in trade and infrastructure development. Ghana’s modernization efforts have positioned it as a leader in West Africa, and this deal will create a ripple effect, encouraging further regional cooperation to enhance trade competitiveness.”
However, not all reactions are celebratory. Nigerian shipping and logistics expert, Adewale Oladipo, raised concerns about the competitive pressure this could place on Nigeria’s ports, which are struggling with congestion and delays.
“While this is a significant win for Ghana and Togo, Nigeria must act swiftly to modernize its ports to avoid being left behind. Ghana’s efficiency and quick turnaround times are attracting more trade routes, and this will impact Nigeria’s ability to remain competitive in the region,” Oladipo remarked.
As trade volumes continue to rise in West Africa, this bilateral agreement between Ghana and Togo sets a new benchmark for regional cooperation. Ghana’s position as a leader in port infrastructure is firmly established, while Togo stands to benefit from the operational efficiency of Ghana’s upgraded facilities. The collaboration is a clear sign of the region’s growing interdependence and the importance of modern infrastructure in driving economic growth.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then