By: Evans Attah Akangla| ignewss—Ho, Ghana
Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Abukari Nikpe, has assured Ghanaians that the country’s transport sector is poised for further transformation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening transportation infrastructure and services as a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 2026 Transport Sector Review and Strategic Retreat in Ho, the minister said the transport sector remains central to national development because it facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services while connecting communities, businesses, and workplaces across the country.
According to Mr. Nikpe, upon assuming office, the administration of President John Dramani Mahama tasked the Ministry of Transport with prioritizing reforms and investments aimed at revitalizing the sector.
“No economy can function effectively without a transport system that moves people and goods efficiently, safely, and reliably,” the minister said.
The four-day retreat, which brought together agencies under the Ministry of Transport from May 28 to May 31, 2026, was convened to assess progress made since the previous strategic review and to evaluate the implementation of key sector projects.
Mr. Nikpe explained that during the 2025 retreat, each agency was directed to identify at least two flagship projects alongside additional initiatives to be implemented throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026. The latest gathering, he said, provided an opportunity for agencies to account for their performance and report on achievements made over the past year.
“The purpose of this retreat was for agencies to report to the Ministry, and through the Ministry, to the President, on what has been accomplished. We have listened to the presentations and witnessed the progress that has taken place within one year,” he told journalists.
Railway Sector Records Revival
Highlighting achievements within the sector, the minister pointed to significant progress in Ghana’s railway industry, which he said was largely inactive when the current administration assumed office.
According to him, no railway line was operational at the time, but government interventions over the past year have helped restore activity within the sector.
Mr. Nikpe noted that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority reported during the retreat that two additional locomotives and two new freight wagons had been inspected and prepared for operations. These will complement existing locomotives currently providing passenger transport services.
“The railway sector, which had virtually come to a standstill, is gradually being revitalized and positioned to support both passenger and freight transportation,” he said.
Improved Access to DVLA Services
The minister also highlighted reforms at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), where efforts have been made to improve service delivery and accessibility.
He said the Ministry inherited a situation in which large numbers of driver’s licences had been printed but remained unissued, creating significant inconvenience for citizens.
To address the challenge, the government has expanded the DVLA’s operational footprint by opening additional service centres across the country.
The expansion, he explained, is aimed at bringing services closer to the public and reducing the burden on citizens who previously had to travel long distances to renew licences or undertake vehicle roadworthiness inspections.
“We want to ensure that people no longer have to travel more than 100 kilometres simply to access essential transport-related services,” he said.
More Projects Expected
Mr. Nikpe described the progress recorded over the past year as the result of sustained effort and strategic planning, adding that the groundwork has now been laid for even greater achievements.
He expressed confidence that Ghanaians would witness additional development projects across the transport sector in the coming years as reforms continue to take shape.
“With the support of His Excellency the President, every agency under the Ministry will continue to deliver improvements and success stories,” he said.
The minister appealed to the public to remain patient and supportive of ongoing reforms, stressing that collaboration between government, stakeholders, and citizens is essential to sustaining progress.
Call for Private Sector Investment
Mr. Nikpe also urged private investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the transport sector, describing it as an increasingly viable area for investment.
According to him, ongoing reforms have improved the sector’s operational environment and strengthened its capacity to generate revenue, creating conditions that can support business growth and long-term sustainability.
“The transport sector is now better positioned to generate resources, support operations, and create value for investors,” he said. “We encourage the private sector to partner with government in building a modern and efficient transport system for Ghana.”
The minister’s remarks underscored the government’s broader ambition to modernize transportation infrastructure and services as part of efforts to enhance economic productivity, improve mobility, and support national development.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com