The Tale of Two Ports: Modernization or Misalignment

The establishment of Meridian Port Services (MPS) at Tema stands as a shining example of Ghana's efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure. Initiated under the leadership of former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2004, MPS was born out of a privatization initiative aimed at optimizing operations and enhancing the efficiency of Tema Port. While MPS has undoubtedly boosted trade and positioned Ghana as a regional hub, it also represents the prioritization of foreign-led partnerships over local initiatives, sparking debates about national sovereignty and development priorities.

Contrast this with the Buankra Inland Port project near Kumasi, envisioned during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings. This ambitious project, intended to be self-funded by the Government of Ghana, was designed to complement the country’s seaports by serving as a critical logistics hub for the northern regions and neighboring landlocked countries. Yet, after decades of delays and neglect—further exacerbated under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration—it stands incomplete. The project remains just 82% finished, despite repeated assurances from successive governments.

The neglect of the Buankra project is symptomatic of broader strategic planning issues. Without a functional railway connecting Kumasi to Tema and Takoradi ports, the inland port risks becoming an underutilized asset. The reliance on articulated trucks for the movement of goods continues to take a heavy toll on Ghana’s roads, leading to frequent accidents, congestion, and exorbitant road maintenance costs. This misalignment between infrastructure planning and implementation highlights a lack of cohesive vision in national development projects.

Strategic Planning Gaps: A "Cart Before Horse" Approach

The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration’s investments in the Buankra Inland Port, without ensuring a working railway network, exemplify a classic case of putting the cart before the horse. To complete the inland port without the necessary supporting infrastructure undermines its potential to truly transform Ghana’s logistics sector. Heavy reliance on articulated trucks, in the absence of railway alternatives, continues to exact a heavy price on the nation’s roadways and development efforts.

Recommendations for Realigning Priorities

To unlock the full potential of the Buankra Inland Port and mitigate the over-reliance on articulated trucks, the following steps should be considered:

1. Complete Railway Connections: A functional railway line connecting Kumasi to Tema and Takoradi ports must be prioritized. Rail transport is more efficient, safer, and cost-effective for moving goods over long distances.

2. Adopt Phased Implementation Strategies: Instead of scattering resources across multiple projects, the government should focus on phased completion of interdependent infrastructure to ensure that each component delivers measurable benefits.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) with Local Focus: While private-sector collaboration is essential, emphasis should be placed on partnerships that prioritize Ghanaian ownership and expertise, ensuring that national interests are safeguarded.

4. Integrated Logistics Planning: The inland port must be part of a broader logistics and trade framework, including customs reforms and digitalization, to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

5. Reallocate Road Maintenance Funds: Savings from reduced road maintenance due to less reliance on heavy trucks can be redirected toward railway and port development, creating a cycle of reinvestment.

6. Timeline Accountability: Clear timelines and milestones should be established for the completion of all related projects, with regular public updates to ensure transparency and accountability.

A Call to Action: Leadership for Posterity

The tale of Meridian Port Services and the Buankra Inland Port is not just a story of infrastructure but a reflection of leadership priorities. While the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has often leaned toward privatization and foreign partnerships, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has consistently demonstrated a commitment to projects that serve the collective good. The NDC has proven itself as a party of "doers, movers, and shakers," with a track record of initiating and completing transformative projects that benefit all Ghanaians.

As the Akan proverb goes, "Nsa baako nkura adesoa"—one hand cannot lift a heavy load. This reminds us that national development requires collective effort, visionary leadership, and a focus on the greater good. The NDC, with its history of prioritizing public-sector investment and inclusive development, is well-positioned to address the missteps of the past and ensure the completion of the Buankra Inland Port.

Another wise saying, "Se wo werɛ fi na wosankɔ fa a, ɛnyɛ sɛ wo werɛ afi, na sɛ wo yɛ ɔbrɛfo"—if you forget and go back to fetch, it is not because you are forgetful but because you are diligent—captures the essence of what is needed. The NDC must revisit and realign Ghana's infrastructure priorities, ensuring that projects like Buankra are not just completed but integrated into a broader vision for national development.

The completion of the Buankra Inland Port, supported by a functional railway network, will not only reduce the reliance on articulated trucks but also lower road maintenance costs, enhance safety, and boost trade efficiency. This is not just an economic imperative but a moral one—for God and for Mother Ghana. As stewards of the nation's future, the NDC must rise to the occasion and deliver on its promise of progress and prosperity.

In the words of Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Ghana needs leaders with the vision to see beyond immediate gains and the courage to act for posterity. The NDC has the opportunity to be the architects of a legacy that future generations will celebrate—a legacy of infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
026-414-0626
[email protected]