Ghana’s push to transform its water transport sector took centre stage when the Ministry of Transport, represented by Deputy Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey, appeared before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The session brought together key stakeholders, including the Volta Lake Transport Company, led by its Managing Director Angela Alorwu-Tay, where discussions focused on the future of Ghana’s water transport system and the need for strategic diversification.
A major highlight of the deliberations was the proposal to expand beyond inland lake transport into ocean and coastal shipping services. According to the Managing Director, Angela Alorwu-Tay, earlier plans are already in place to introduce coastal marine transport routes linking Ghana to neighbouring countries such as Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, however there may be the need to tweak the laws that set up the company and the collaborations that are required for the proposed expansion.
The move, stakeholders argue, could significantly enhance regional connectivity, stimulate cross-border trade, and attract investment into Ghana’s maritime sector. It would also position the country as a key player in West Africa’s emerging blue economy.
Beyond regional routes, proposals discussed included developing domestic coastal services such as the Accra-Takoradi corridor, as well as expanding into cargo transport, tourism, and leisure cruises. These initiatives are expected to complement existing lake transport services and create a more integrated and resilient water transport network.
On tourism, attention was drawn to the untapped potential of the Volta Lake, particularly its islands, which could be developed into eco-tourism destinations. Cruise services and resort-based tourism were identified as viable avenues for revenue generation.
Despite these prospects, the Committee underscored the urgent need to address challenges facing lake transport operations. Members noted that while services on the lake maintain relatively strong safety records, they are constrained by financial sustainability issues, largely due to regulated fares.
In response, the Committee signaled its intention to advocate for increased government support, particularly for the acquisition of new and modern ferries to improve safety, reliability, and accessibility.
The overarching message from the engagement was clear: while diversification into ocean transport presents a promising growth frontier, strengthening the fundamentals of lake transport remains a critical priority. The Committee emphasized that government must be held accountable in delivering safer, more efficient water transport services for Ghanaians.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
