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Tema Port
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Port
Tema Port was officially opened in 1962 and serves as Ghana's primary maritime gateway and largest commercial hub. Located approximately 30 kilometers east of the capital city, Accra, it handles about 70 percent of the country's total international trade volume. Beyond its domestic importance, the port acts as a crucial transit point for landlocked neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The facility covers a land area of roughly 3.9 million square meters and features specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo, and liquid petroleum. Major expansion projects completed in recent years have boosted its container handling capacity to over 3.5 million TEUs annually. The port is the centerpiece of a vast industrial zone that includes the nation's only oil refinery and various manufacturing plants. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea makes it one of the most modern and efficient maritime logistics centers in the West African sub-region.
- Location: Ghana
- Nearby: Tema (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 44 | 104 | 134 | 196 | 197 | 91 | 40 | 102 | 149 | 64 | 25 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Tema Port is Ghana's largest seaport, handling the majority of national exports and imports. It serves as a central hub for goods traffic in the West African region.
Visiting
The port is an active industrial area with restricted public access. However, visitors can watch parts of the port from the harbour pier or the coastal promenade.
Where to view it
An excellent viewpoint is the Tema Port lighthouse, from which the entire harbour basin and container ships can be seen. The bridge over the port channel also provides a good view of ship traffic.
Local products
In the surrounding markets of Tema, fresh seafood, especially tuna and shrimp, as well as imported goods are offered. Seasonal fruits like pineapple and mango reach the local market directly through the port.
Active season
The port operates year-round, with peak times during the main harvest season for export goods like cocoa and gold. Highest activity occurs between October and February when container ships run most frequently.
Nearby
A visit to the port can be combined with Tema Fishing Harbour, where you can see the fish market and colourful fishing boats. The beaches of Tema and nearby Accra are also worthwhile destinations.
Geography
Facts
- Opened in 1962
- 30 km from Accra
- Handles 70% of cargo
- 3.9 million sqm area
- 12 berths available
- 3.5 million TEU capacity
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tema Port (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tema Port?
Tema Port is the largest seaport in Ghana and a central hub for trade in West Africa.
Can you visit the port?
Access to the terminals is restricted, but you can see the activity from nearby viewpoints.
What is Tema city known for besides the port?
Tema is known as Ghana's industrial city and lies directly on the Prime Meridian (Greenwich Meridian).
When was Tema Port built?
The port was opened in the 1960s under Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
What is mainly handled through Tema Port?
Containers, cars, petroleum products, and various export goods like cocoa are handled here.
Tema Port: where is it located?
Tema Port is located in Ghana.
Tema Port: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Tema Port: why is it worth visiting?
Tema Port was officially opened in 1962 and serves as Ghana's primary maritime gateway and largest commercial hub.
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Ghana National Mosque
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Accra Sports Stadium
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Independence Arch
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A massive gate at the edge of Independence Square, crowned with the black star of Africa.
National Museum of Ghana
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Cargill Cocoa Processing
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VALCO Aluminum Smelter
A large aluminum smelter in Tema that uses energy from the Akosombo Dam to produce aluminum.
Tema Oil Refinery
The only petroleum refinery in Ghana, processing crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas.
CPC Cocoa Processing Company
A state-backed company in Tema producing high-quality chocolate and semi-finished products.
Sakumono Wetlands
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Labadi Beach
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W. E. B. Du Bois Centre
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