Ghana, Colombia seal historic maritime agreement to link Tema and Cartagena ports

Ghana and Colombia have finalized a landmark agreement to establish direct maritime trade between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena, opening a new corridor for commerce between Africa and Latin America.

The agreement, which was concluded in Bogotá, marks a significant step toward deepening economic ties between the two nations and is expected to substantially boost trade volumes across the Atlantic.

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who played a key role in the discussions, commended Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez for championing the initiative. He also expressed gratitude to Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio for her leadership and commitment to seeing the agreement through.

In remarks following the signing, Ablakwa highlighted the symbolic weight of the new trade route, noting that the Atlantic corridor—once a grim passage for the transatlantic slave trade—is now being transformed into a pathway for opportunity, job creation, and economic empowerment.

The agreement is expected to facilitate more efficient movement of goods, reduce transit times, and strengthen commercial links between West Africa and South America, positioning both countries as strategic gateways for intercontinental trade.