Takoradi Port recorded notable growth in cargo volume in 2024, with total imports reaching 2,877,273 metric tonnes by November, reflecting an 11.03% increase from the previous year’s 2,591,340 metric tonnes.
Over 70% of this import volume was driven by clinker and gypsum imports, which totaled 2,072,490 metric tonnes, up from 1,757,883 metric tonnes in 2023.
Exported cargo volume saw an even more remarkable growth, increasing by 44%, with a total of 6,472,998 metric tonnes exported as of November 2024, compared to 4,500,570 metric tonnes in the same period of 2023. This surge was primarily driven by manganese and bauxite exports, which reached 4,693,983 metric tonnes and 1,446,934 metric tonnes, respectively.
Additionally, the port witnessed a dramatic 2,173.52% increase in transit cargo volume, which grew from 2,247 metric tonnes in November 2023 to 51,086 metric tonnes in 2024.
A key achievement in this category was the receipt of a transit vessel carrying 50,000 metric tonnes of bagged rice, marking the first such occurrence in over a decade.
Cruise-ship calls at the port also saw significant growth, doubling from seven calls in 2023 to 14 in 2024.
However, container traffic showed a decline, with 28,257 TEUs recorded as of November 2024, a decrease of 11% from the previous year. Similarly, vessel calls decreased by 13.23%, from 801 in 2023 to 695 in 2024.
Despite these declines, Takoradi Port continues to expand its capacity with the full commercial operation of the YILPORT-ATSL Container and Multipurpose Terminal in September 2024, and the inauguration of the Oil and Gas Services Terminal in November 2024, strengthening its role in supporting upstream oil and gas operations in Ghana and West Africa.
Outlook for 2025
On his expectations for 2025, he said he is looking forward to many promising developments: including the operationalisation of the Oil and Gas Services Terminal and the start of the Prime Meridian Dock (PMD’s) Floating Dock Project, which is poised to establish the port as a leading facility for ship repairs and maintenance, including off-shore supply vessels.
He said the Genser Energy Cryonic Tank Farm Facility is also expected to commence operations in 2025. The facility will support gas exports, further diversifying the port’s portfolio of services and strengthening its contribution to domestic energy export.
“In 2025, under the Ghana Tourism Authority’s auspices, we anticipate receiving proposals for developing a cruise ship or passenger terminal through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. This initiative is consistent with our strategic vision to enhance tourism and maritime connectivity within Ghana,” Mr. Bediako concluded.
