Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has cautioned that Ghana’s transition to decarbonisation, particularly within the maritime sector, will come with significant negative impacts on the economy. He therefore called for measures to mitigate the risks while pursuing opportunities in the green transition.
The Minister’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, at the Green Ghana Shipping Corridors Pre-Feasibility Study Consortium Incubation Workshop in Accra. He noted that while Ghana remains committed to climate change mitigation under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the Paris Agreement, the country must prepare for challenges linked to the green shift.
According to him, the implementation of shipping greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures could affect GDP growth, food security, trade, and consumer prices in Ghana and across Africa.
“We are cautious of the cost burdens and implementation challenges associated with shipping decarbonisation measures, especially for countries like ours that are not historical contributors to the global climate crisis,” Madam Affo-Toffey stressed.
She highlighted that Ghana’s government has already demonstrated its commitment by establishing a Ministry for Energy and Green Transition and a dedicated Ministry for Climate Change and Sustainability under President John Dramani Mahama. She added that the Ghana Maritime Authority, working with other stakeholders, is aligning national maritime strategies with international sustainability goals to ensure a just transition.
On the specific initiative of green shipping corridors, the Deputy Minister described them as “transformative commitments” that will shape global trade and environmental preservation. Ghana, she said, is preparing to join over 50 green corridor projects globally, starting with the pre-feasibility study currently underway.
“Ports are very integral to the success of green shipping corridors. While our ports in Tema and Takoradi are actively planning to invest in inshore power infrastructure, digital traffic management systems and modernization to accommodate low-emission vessels, government remains committed to unlocking financing for green infrastructure and creating sustainable green jobs,” she said.
She further noted that green shipping corridors also require regional and international cooperation, and Ghana will work with partners to maximize the benefits of the maritime industry’s green transition.
