Takoradi Port has recorded a significant surge in maritime activity in 2025, underlining its growing importance to Ghana’s trade, industrial expansion and overall economic growth.
Between January and November 2025, vessel calls at the port rose by 24.75% compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting increased confidence by shipping lines and offshore operators in the port’s capacity and efficiency.
Figures available show that vessel calls increased from 695 in the first 11 months of 2024 to 867 over the same period in 2025.
Even more striking is the fact that the January–November 2025 performance has already surpassed the entire 2024 vessel call figure of 770, a month before the close of the year.
This performance positions Takoradi Port as one of the fastest-growing maritime gateways in the sub-region.
Offshore support vessels drive growth
A major driver of the impressive growth in vessel calls has been the sharp rise in offshore support vessels, underscoring the port’s strategic role in servicing Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
Offshore support vessel calls increased from 253 in the same January–November period last year to 427 in 2025, representing a substantial expansion in offshore logistics activities. This growth reflects renewed activity in offshore exploration, production support services and allied industries, with Takoradi Port increasingly serving as a logistics hub for energy operations in the Western Region and beyond.
The expansion has implications for employment, local enterprise development and the strengthening of supply chains linked to the petroleum and maritime services sectors.
Cargo throughput shows steady expansion
Beyond vessel traffic, cargo performance at Takoradi Port also recorded notable growth in 2025, reinforcing its contribution to domestic commerce and international trade.
10.3m metric tonnes cargo
Total cargo handled between January and November stood at 10.3 million metric tonnes, up from 9.4 million metric tonnes recorded over the same period in 2024.
The increase in cargo throughput points to higher volumes of imports and exports passing through the port, supporting industrial production, construction activity and commodity trade.
As cargo volumes rise, the port’s role in facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished goods becomes even more critical to sustaining economic growth.
Transit cargo and containers exceed expectations
One of the most remarkable developments in the year under review has been the performance of transit cargo.
Transit cargo volumes reached 25,000 metric tonnes, far exceeding an initial forecast of around 2,000 metric tonnes.
This dramatic outperformance suggests growing regional confidence in Takoradi Port as a transit hub for neighbouring countries and landlocked markets.
Container traffic also recorded strong growth within the same period, reflecting changing trade patterns and increased use of containerisation.
Rising container volumes often translate into improved trade efficiency, better cargo security and faster turnaround times, all of which enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a trading nation.
Addressing journalists at an end-of-year media soiree, the Director of Takoradi Port, James Richmond Quayson, described 2025 as a strong year marked by remarkable growth across vessel calls, cargo and container traffic.
According to him, the rising numbers are a clear indication that the port is experiencing increased traffic and growing relevance within the maritime industry.
He expressed confidence that effective management and strategic planning would sustain the upward trajectory in the years ahead, assuring stakeholders that even greater volumes could be handled efficiently.
Mr Quayson also highlighted the successful implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative at the port since July 2025 as one of the key milestones achieved during the year.
The round-the-clock operations have improved turnaround times, enhanced service delivery and made the port more attractive to shipping lines and logistics operators.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the Takoradi Port Director said management would roll out more efficient operational strategies aimed at further increasing traffic and expanding the port’s economic impact.
He stressed that growth at the port has direct implications for job creation, particularly for young people, as increased activity demands more labour across logistics, security, transportation, and auxiliary services.
He also emphasised the importance of public awareness and stakeholder engagement in sustaining growth, urging the media to play a supportive role by sharing the positive stories of the port and highlighting its contributions to national development.
Media–port partnership strengthened
The Chairman of the Western Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Desmond Cudjoe, commended the management of Takoradi Port for maintaining the tradition of annual end-of-year engagement with the media.
He noted that such interactions help strengthen collaboration between the port and journalists, promote transparency and deepen public understanding of maritime and trade issues.
As vessel calls, cargo volumes and transit trade continue to rise, Takoradi Port’s performance in 2025 signals broader opportunities for economic growth, expanded trade networks and regional integration.
The port’s momentum not only reinforces its strategic value to the Western Region but also positions it as a key pillar in Ghana’s quest to become a competitive maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.
