Ghana’s ambition to transform its water transport sector came into sharp focus when the Ministry of Transport appeared before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in response to commitments made by the sector minister.
Deputy Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey led agencies under the ministry, including the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Volta Lake Transport Company.
Acting Managing Director of the Volta Lake Transport Company, Angela Oforiwaa Alorwu-Tay, used the opportunity to court Parliament’s support for a bold expansion of Ghana’s water transport services, stressing the need to modernise the country’s maritime transport system.
According to Ms. Alorwu-Tay, plans are already being considered to introduce coastal marine transport routes linking Ghana to neighbouring countries such as Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
She noted, however, that achieving this vision would require a review of the laws establishing the company, as well as stronger institutional collaborations.
The Acting Managing Director also appealed to Parliament to support efforts to secure more barges to convey fuel from southern Ghana to the northern parts of the country, describing it as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to road transport.
Members of the Committee, who shared in the ambition, said the expansion could significantly boost regional connectivity, enhance cross-border trade and attract fresh investment into Ghana’s maritime sector, while positioning the country as a key player in West Africa’s growing blue economy.
Beyond regional routes, discussions also explored the development of domestic coastal services, including a proposed Accra–Takoradi corridor, alongside expansion into cargo transport, tourism and leisure cruises. These initiatives are expected to complement existing lake transport services and help build a more integrated and resilient water transport network.
Attention was also drawn to the untapped tourism potential of the Volta Lake, particularly its islands, which stakeholders say could be developed into eco-tourism destinations. Cruise services and resort-based tourism were highlighted as promising avenues for revenue generation and job creation.
Despite the optimism, members of the Committee emphasised the need to address key challenges confronting lake transport operations. They observed that while services on the lake maintain relatively strong safety records, financial sustainability remains a concern, largely due to regulated fares.
The Committee assured that it would advocate increased government support, particularly for the acquisition of modern ferries to improve safety, reliability and accessibility.
The engagement underscored a clear message: while diversification into ocean transport presents a promising growth frontier, strengthening the foundations of lake transport remains essential to delivering safer and more efficient water transport services for Ghanaians.
By: Christian Kpesese
