Gov’t to Conduct Feasibility Study on Coastal Water Transport

Accra, Sept. 17, GNA – The Government will soon conduct feasibility studies for the development of a Coastal Water Transport System to complement existing road infrastructure, Minister of Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series press briefing at the Presidency in Accra, Mr. Nikpe said the move was in line with President John Dramani Mahama‘s vision of modernizing Ghana’s transport network. He noted that expressions of interest would soon be advertised to attract private sector participation, encouraging local firms with relevant expertise to apply.

The Minister emphasized that while road transport remained Ghana’s economic backbone, congestion and inefficiencies continued to pose challenges. To address this, the Ministry was also working to regularize motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying passengers by amending the Road Traffic Act (2004, Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations (2012, LI 2180). The Cabinet has already approved the amendments, which are expected to be laid before Parliament.

On public transport fares, Mr. Nikpe said the government had negotiated a 15 per cent reduction, effective May 24, to reflect improved macroeconomic conditions such as lower fuel prices. He described the measure as the most significant decrease since 2015, easing the burden on commuters while safeguarding operator stability.

Highlighting reforms at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Minister disclosed that the Authority had begun 24-hour operations at its new Adenta Bus Terminal office to support the 24-Hour Economy Policy. He added that four new DVLA offices had been commissioned in Adenta, Bawaleshie, Asamankese, and Akwatia, with two more in Dormaa and Bechem set to open by the end of the month.

“These steps bring services closer to underserved communities while improving accessibility and efficiency,” he stated.