In the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, Ghana's primary ports, Tema and Takoradi, have shown concerning standings, with Tema Port ranked 376th out of 405 ports globally, and Takoradi Port ranked 274th.

This marks a significant decline from their positions in the 2022 CPPI, where Tema Port was ranked 205th and Takoradi Port was 245th out of 348 ports.

These low rankings underscore the urgent need for improvements in port infrastructure and operations to enhance Ghana's trade efficiency and economic growth.

The top-ranked container ports in the CPPI 2023 are Yangshan Port (China) in first place, followed by the Port of Salalah (Oman) in second place, retaining their positions from the CPPI 2022.

The port of Cartagena has moved up to third place from fifth in 2022, while Tangier Mediterranean holds its fourth place ranking. Tanjung Pelepas improved to fifth, Ningbo rose from 12th to seventh, and Port Said climbed from 16th to 10th.

However, some ports saw a decline: Khalifa Port fell from third in 2022 to 29th in 2023, and Hamad Port dropped from eighth to 11th.

Ports play a crucial role in facilitating international trade, and their performance can significantly impact a country's economic development. The low rankings of Tema Port and Takoradi Port highlight areas where improvements are needed to boost capacity and efficiency.

Potential enhancements include investing in modern infrastructure, streamlining operational processes, and adopting advanced technologies to improve cargo handling and clearance times.

By addressing these issues, Tema and Takoradi ports could significantly improve their standings in future CPPI reports, thereby boosting Ghana's position in the global maritime industry.

The CPPI report, compiled by a team from the World Bank and the Maritime, Trade, and Supply Chain division of S&P Global Market Intelligence, serves as a reference point for improvement for key stakeholders in the global economy, including national governments, port authorities and operators, development agencies, supranational organizations, and other public and private stakeholders in trade, logistics, and supply chain services.