Along Ghana's southern coast, a maritime colossus has quietly emerged—the Port of Tema. As West Africa's largest artificial harbor, Tema Port has not only injected vitality into Ghana's economic development but also established itself as a crucial maritime gateway for global trade.
Located just 26 kilometers from the capital city of Accra, Tema Port has undergone multiple expansions since its establishment in 1967. Today, it stands as a modern, comprehensive port serving diverse industries including large-scale steel mills and aluminum smelters.
A Strategic Maritime Hub
Tema Port's unique geographical position gives it exceptional advantages. Situated on the northern side of the Gulf of Guinea, the port enjoys both beautiful surroundings and a tropical rainforest climate with distinct seasonal temperature variations. February temperatures can reach highs of 34°C (93°F), while August may see lows of 15°C (59°F), with annual rainfall averaging about 2,000 millimeters.
In this privileged location, container handling and cargo throughput capacity continue to grow annually. The port currently features 14 major berths with a total quay length of 3,600 meters and maximum water depth of 10.5 meters. State-of-the-art equipment, including various shore cranes and high-speed conveyor belts, ensures efficient loading and unloading operations.
Impressive Storage and Throughput Capacity
The port's storage facilities are equally remarkable, with total warehouse capacity reaching 100,000 metric tons. Specially designed sheds can store 60,000 tons of cocoa beans, with conveyor systems that load beans directly into ship holds—significantly improving loading efficiency.
Data shows that by 1992, Tema Port's container throughput had reached 83,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with annual cargo handling capacity approaching 5 million metric tons, cementing its role as a critical node connecting landlocked regions to international trade networks.
Driving International Commerce
Tema Port serves as Ghana's primary conduit for foreign trade. Major exports include cocoa (accounting for 67% of export value), timber, peanut kernels, coffee, bauxite, and manganese ore. Key trading partners include Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. Meanwhile, imports such as crude oil, cement, vehicles, and construction materials support the rapid development of local industries.
With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities, and robust cargo handling capabilities, Tema Port is increasingly establishing itself as West Africa's most important trade and logistics center—a shining star on the global economic stage.
