French Ambassador Visits MPS to Deepen Ghana–France Economic and Maritime Partnership

Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) welcomed H.E. Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, and a high-level delegation from the Embassy of France in Accra to Tema Port, in a visit that provided an opportunity to showcase MPS’s world-class terminal infrastructure, advanced technology, operational excellence and growing contribution to Ghana’s economic and trade ambitions.

The delegation included Rafael Pont, Deputy Head of Mission; Julien Frioux, Economic Counsellor; Colonel Grégoire Madelin, Defence Attaché; Captain Nicolas Gongora, Police Attaché; and Clara Marcelli, Deputy Economic Counsellor.

The delegation was received by MPS Senior Management Team, led by CEO Mr. Mohamed Samara, CFO Mr, Steen Larsen, Head of Legal and Compliance Mr Frank Ebo Brown, COO Mr. Mahmoud Ayoub, the Head of Stakeholder Management Mr. Charles Osafo and Nancy Amoussa the AGL Finance Director. The focus of the visit was for discussions on MPS’s operations, investment programme, technology deployment and the strategic role of Tema Port as a maritime gateway for Ghana and the wider West African region.

From investment to innovation

The visit began with a boardroom presentation outlining MPS’s journey, its significant investment in the development of Terminal 3, the growth of container volumes, operational performance and the company’s outlook for the future.

The presentation highlighted how sustained investment in modern port infrastructure, equipment, digitalisation and operational systems has transformed the capacity and capabilities of Tema Port. Terminal 3 is designed to accommodate vessels of up to 400 metres in length, with 1,400 metres of quay and the ability to berth four vessels simultaneously.

Mr. Samara emphasised that the investment in physical infrastructure is increasingly being complemented by advanced technology and data-driven operations.

“MPS is proud to be playing a strategic role in Ghana’s economic transformation. We continue to invest in modern infrastructure and innovative solutions that not only improve the efficiency of supply chains but also reinforce Tema Port’s position as a world-class gateway, delivering long-term benefits to businesses, communities and the broader economy.”

He further stressed the importance of continued investment and regional competitiveness:

“For us, maintaining leadership is not an option, it is a necessity. While Ghana and MPS took a bold leap into the future with the expansion of the Port of Tema, other ports across the region are investing aggressively and catching up. To remain ahead, we must continue to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen connectivity across Africa.”

The CEO also highlighted the opportunity presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the critical role that efficient transport and logistics infrastructure must play in turning the vision of a single African market into reality.

“The real value of AfCFTA will only be realised if we build the logistics, transport and trade infrastructure that enables goods to move seamlessly across borders.”

Following the presentation, the Ambassador and her delegation embarked on a guided tour of the terminal, providing a first-hand experience of how the technology, people and infrastructure come together to operate a modern container terminal.

The visit began at the Planning and Control Room, where the delegation interacted with the MPS Terminal Operating System (TOS) team and observed how vessel and terminal activities are monitored, coordinated and optimised in real time.

The delegation was then taken through the terminal’s automated gate processes, including the OCR and vehicle identification systems, before proceeding into the yard to experience the movement and handling of containers across the terminal.

A particular highlight of the visit was the opportunity to experience vessel operations from one of MPS’s advanced Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes. The delegation was welcomed into the crane operator’s cabin, offering a unique perspective of the scale, precision and coordination required to handle some of the world’s largest container vessels.

The visit demonstrated the extent to which MPS has integrated technology throughout its operations. Its digital ecosystem includes the Terminal Operating System, Truck Appointment System, automated gates incorporating OCR, LPR and RFID, biometric access control, e-payment, e-invoicing, extensive CCTV and automated inspection systems.

MPS is also continuing to invest in equipment and electrification, with three additional STS cranes and 16 electric RTGs added in 2026, alongside further investments in electric terminal trucks and other technologies aimed at strengthening capacity, resilience and sustainability.

A strong impression

Throughout the tour, H.E. Ambassador Dimé-Labille engaged actively with the MPS team, asking insightful questions about terminal operations, technology, productivity, investment and future development plans.

She expressed particular interest in the role of Tema Port in facilitating international trade, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Ghana’s economic ambitions.

The Ambassador was visibly impressed by the scale of MPS’s investment in world-class infrastructure and superstructure, as well as the extent to which advanced technology and digitalisation have been embedded across the terminal’s operations.

She commended MPS for its continued investment and for deploying innovative solutions that combine infrastructure, automation, data and human expertise to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

The delegation also visited the MPS Sailors Building, a dedicated facility supporting the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers calling at Tema Port — reflecting MPS’s broader commitment to responsible business practices and recognition of the critical role seafarers play in global trade.

Reflecting on the visit, H.E. Ambassador Dimé-Labille described the experience as refreshing and fulfilling, noting the value of seeing first-hand the scale of investment, innovation and operational excellence taking place at Tema Port.

Building the gateway for Africa’s future

The visit comes at an important time for Ghana–France economic relations, with growing opportunities for stronger trade, investment and commercial partnerships between the two countries.

For MPS, the visit reinforced a central principle: world-class ports are not built through infrastructure alone. They require continuous investment in technology, people, capacity, connectivity and innovation.

As trade across Ghana and the wider West African region continues to grow, MPS remains committed to investing ahead of demand, strengthening Tema Port’s competitiveness and supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a leading trade and logistics hub for Africa.

The future of African trade will depend on the ability to move goods faster, smarter and more efficiently across borders.

MPS is proud to be part of building that future.

MPS — Connecting Ghana to Africa and the World.