The Minister of Transpor­tation, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, yesterday inaugurat­ed three boards for three agencies under the ministry.These included, a 10-board members for the Ghanaian Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), a 13-board members for the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and nine-board members for the Met­ro Mass Transit Limited, (MMTL).The Board members of GPHA is made up of the Chairman of the National Democratic Con­gress, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, as the Chairman; Brigadier-Gen­eral Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono as the acting Director-General of GPHA; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs Mabel Asi Sagoe, and the Director of Tema Port, Mr Tebon Zumah, as member.The other members, the Di­rector of Takoradi Port, Captain James Richmond Quayson; the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Author­ity, Prof.

Ransford Edward Van Gyampo as Member; the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Mr Dan Abdul-Latif; Mr Stephane Abbas Meizan, Mr Adam Imoru Ayarna, and Mr Ebenezer Perry Ellis.The Board Members for the GMA includes, Mrs Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah as the Chair­person, Captain Navy Rtd, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, Mr Richard Fed­ieley, Dr Eric Cobbinah, Rear Ad­miral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Mr Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Dr Patrick Essien, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Prof.

Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, Mr Stephen T.

Adjokatcher, Mr Adam Imoru Ayarna, Ms Cather­ine Dela Dzivenu, and Ms Esther Gyebi-Donkor.Also the Board Members of MMTL are Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano, Okogyeman Kweku Gyamprah III as the Chairman, Mr Kale Cezar, Mr Eric Tetteh Addision, Mr Ebow Quayson, Mr Kojo Adu- Asare, Ms Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante, Ms Anne Judith Agbodo, Ms Rita Essien and Mr Abdul-Samad Fati­mah Gomba.Addressing the Board Members of the Agencies separately at a brief inaugural ceremony, Mr Nik­pe stated the inauguration of the board was step in advancing the government's Resetting Agenda for the country's socio-economic transformation through the trans­port sector.The Minister emphasised the vital role of the transport sector, particularly the maritime and road transport arms in repositioning the country as a major transport and logistics hub in West Africa.He highlighted that the Pres­ident's vision was centred on promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring equita­ble opportunities within the entire transport value chain.He further urged the new board to focus on reducing transac­tion costs, restructuring seaport management to accommodate landlocked countries, enhancing transit trade security, and explor­ing private partnerships for the development of the Keta Port as a petroleum delivery hub.In relation to the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Minister charged the new board to uphold its core mandate of safety, security, and environmental protection in line with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations.Addressing MMTL, Mr Nikpe acknowledged the company's social mandate and its challenges, including a dwindling fleet and rising operational costs.He then called on the board to work with management to explore innovative financing, embrace the National Electric Vehicle Policy, and play a leadership role in elec­trifying public transport.Mr Nikpe also cited the impor­tance of modernising terminals, improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, and supporting the reintroduction of the Eban Elderly Welfare System. BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA