All Other Ghana Ports, Ghana

Port Overview

Ghana’s other ports, beyond Tema and Takoradi, include Sekondi, Elmina, and several fishing and inland facilities. These ports are located along the southern coast, with Sekondi near Takoradi and Elmina further east. They are smaller in size and rank well below the main ports, primarily serving fishing, offshore supply, and local trade. Their strategic importance lies in supporting regional economies, tourism, and the fishing industry rather than large-scale international shipping. Annual TEU capacity for these ports is minimal, with container throughput significantly lower than Tema or Takoradi.

Facilities & Infrastructure

All Other Ghana Ports, including Takoradi and inland facilities like Boankra, feature multipurpose terminals handling bulk, breakbulk, containers, and oil. Key facilities include deep-water berths, oil and container terminals, and specialized cargo areas. Equipment includes mobile harbor cranes, reach stackers, forklifts, and automated cargo handling systems. Some ports are integrating advanced technologies such as real-time tracking and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to enhance operational efficiency and cargo throughput.

Container Terminals

Other than Tema and Takoradi, Ghana’s container terminals are smaller and primarily managed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. These ports typically have 1–2 berths each, with container yard capacities around 5,000 TEU. Automation levels are low to moderate, focusing on basic mechanization rather than full automation. Major operators include GPHA and a few licensed private companies, but large-scale international operators are not present outside Tema and Takoradi.

Port Services

• Container handling: Loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including container logistics support.
• Cargo operations: Stevedoring, shore handling, and management of various cargo types (general, bulk, and breakbulk).
• Ship services: Pilotage, towage, mooring/unmooring, vessel traffic services, waste reception, and fresh water supply.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for cargo, including bonded warehouses and off-dock depots.
• Customs: Customs clearance, documentation, and duty management for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

All other Ghana ports, including Sekondi, Elmina, Saltpond, Accra, and Winneba, primarily serve regional fishing, small-scale cargo, and coastal trade. These ports connect southern Ghana’s coastal communities and support local industries. While not major international gateways, they link to Tema and Takoradi for broader shipping routes, facilitating access to West African markets and transshipment to Europe, Asia, and the Americas via mainline services from the larger ports.

Port Statistics

All Other Ghana Ports (excluding Tema):

• TEU Throughput (2024): Approximately 32,558 TEU, with Takoradi as the main secondary port.
• World Ranking: Outside the top 100 container ports globally.
• Number of Berths: Takoradi Port has 6 main berths for general cargo and containers.
• Port Area: Takoradi covers about 53 hectares.
• Shipping Lines: Served by regional and international lines including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Grimaldi.

These ports handle a small fraction of Ghana’s total container traffic, with Tema Port dominating national throughput.