The Ministry of Transport has held a 3 – day Review Meeting in the Central Region to further assess the transport sector progress.
In her address, the Central Regional Minister, Honourable Mrs Justina Marigold Assan underscored the significance of the transport sector in the socio-economic development of the Republic of Ghana and highlighted the pivotal role transportation plays in facilitating trade, commerce, and social interactions.
Hon. Assan emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate and share insights to inform future decisions in the sector.
The event provided a platform for robust discussions, encouraging active participation and the exchange of diverse perspectives.
The Regional Minister commended the Government and the Ministry for their initiative, and acknowledged the importance of such engagements in driving positive change and lauded the organizers for their efforts in facilitating dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
Stakeholders were urged by the Central Regional Minister to remain engaged and proactive in influencing policy direction.
Hon. Assan concluded with a call for continued cooperation and collective efforts to ensure a more efficient and inclusive transportation system for Ghana.
At the strategic meeting, the Minister for transport, Honourable Kwaku Ofori Asiamah also expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that have propelled the transport sector forward over the past seven years.
Addressing stakeholders, the Minister commended their cooperation and support, attributing much of the sector’s success to their collaborative efforts.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by transport operators, notably the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), the Minister lauded their unwavering support during challenging times, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant operational impacts, these operators ensured stability in public transport fares, providing relief to many Ghanaians.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, the Minister highlighted several milestones across different sectors of transportation. Notable accomplishments included the upgrading of Tamale Airport to international status, rehabilitation of Sunyani Airport, and the completion of Terminal 3 Project at Kotoka International Airport.
Additionally, significant progress was noted in the maritime sector, with developments such as the construction of new terminals and fishing ports, acquisition of patrol boats for maritime surveillance, and initiatives to preserve water bodies.
However, amidst these achievements, the Minister emphasized the critical challenges facing the sector, including the need for sustainable urban mobility, addressing road traffic accidents, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Recognizing the importance of innovation and capacity building.
The Transport Minister announced plans to enhance leadership and management skills among stakeholders to navigate these challenges effectively.
Hon. Asiamah further underscored the importance of effective communication and visibility of sector projects, urging stakeholders to adopt aggressive communication strategies to create awareness among the populace.
With the upcoming election year, the Minister emphasized the need for sector visibility to showcase the government’s achievements and gain public confidence.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude for the support received and called upon stakeholders to maintain proactive engagement, adhere to financial management regulations, and work towards positioning the transport sector as a catalyst for national development.
“The strategic meeting, spanning two days, aims to assess past achievements, address current challenges, and chart a course for the future of the transport sector in Ghana”, the Minister stated.