#westafricalogistics

By EUGENIA EYRAM OPEKU

It’s easy to forget, sometimes, just how deeply connected Ghana is to the landlocked nations around us. Take Burkina Faso, for example. While we’re bordered by water, they’re bordered by us. And that simple geographic fact makes Ghana—specifically Tema Port—a critical lifeline for Burkina Faso’s imports and exports.

At PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED, we’ve spent years working the corridor between Tema and Ouagadougou. It’s a route we know not just on a map, but on a practical level—through dust storms, long queues at customs, roadblocks, and breakdowns. And we’ve come to appreciate just how important this route is—not just for goods, but for regional cooperation and economic resilience.

This article isn’t about selling a service. It’s about sharing what we’ve learned—some of it the hard way—so that others can better navigate this key trade artery.

Why Ghana?

The route from Tema Port to Burkina Faso isn’t just one option—it’s the preferred corridor for many West African traders. Why?

Efficiency: Tema offers deep-sea access and better port infrastructure than most options in the region.

Stability: Ghana’s political stability translates into predictability, something every exporter craves.

Proximity: The distance from Tema to Ouagadougou is roughly 1,000 km—not short, but manageable within 3–4 days under normal conditions.

Add to that Ghana’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, and it’s clear why we’ve become a reliable gateway for landlocked neighbors.

The Journey: A Layered Landscape

Let’s break the route down into phases—because the logistics aren’t just about highways. They’re about systems. Borders. People.

1. Port Operations at Tema

Once the cargo arrives at Tema, we begin with customs clearance, weighing, and container pick-up. This part has become more efficient thanks to Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). But it’s not always perfect. In peak periods, delays still occur—usually from documentation mismatches or sudden inspections.

That’s why we encourage clients to pre-clear cargo where possible. For bulk shipments—say, agricultural inputs headed for Burkina Faso—we often stage goods in our Afariwaa storage facility while waiting for onward trucks to be assigned.

2. Road Haulage & Corridor Challenges

The most common route is: Tema → Accra → Kumasi → Techiman → Tamale → Paga (border) → Ouagadougou

This corridor has seen significant upgrades over the years. But you still need to be ready for:

Variable road conditions, especially in the north during rainy season

Checkpoints, which—depending on the week—can slow down or complicate progress

Rest stops & fuel availability, particularly near Tamale and Bolgatanga

We once had a shipment of medical devices held up in Tamale for a day because of a brake issue and no available spare parts nearby. We now carry redundancies for sensitive cargo. That lesson stuck.

3. Border at Paga/Dakola

The Paga (Ghana) / Dakola (Burkina Faso) border crossing is generally efficient, especially for operators who understand the documentation flow. But language differences (French in Burkina, English in Ghana) can sometimes complicate things if you’re not working with bilingual agents.

Transit bond management is also a critical step. Goods moving through Ghana to Burkina Faso must be covered under a bond or secured with ECOWAS inter-state road transit (ISRT) documentation.

At PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED, we manage these clearances directly, working with in-country partners in Ouagadougou to ensure handover is smooth on the other side.

Key Commodities on the Route

Understanding the flow of goods helps appreciate the volume and complexity of the corridor.

From Ghana to Burkina Faso: electronics, construction materials, food products, agricultural machinery, fuel

From Burkina Faso to Ghana (for export): shea butter, cotton, mangoes (seasonal), livestock

A client we work with exports shea nuts from Bobo-Dioulasso through Ghana for processing and then re-exports finished shea butter. That movement—across two countries, multiple border points, and time-sensitive conditions—is where well-managed logistics really makes or breaks the business.

The Future of the Corridor

There’s growing interest in developing a rail link between Ghana and Burkina Faso, which could drastically reduce costs and improve transit times. While the project is still in the works, it's a clear signal that both nations are serious about deepening trade ties.

In the meantime, fleet tracking, driver training, and better border automation are small but meaningful steps that companies like ours are investing in to keep this corridor reliable.

Why It Matters

Trade routes like Ghana–Burkina Faso are more than commercial channels. They’re arteries of cooperation, resilience, and shared prosperity.

At PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED, we see this every day. We’re proud to be one of the logistics players helping connect these economies—not just physically, but strategically. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London this November.

It’s not just about prestige—it’s about joining a global conversation. One where businesses like ours in Ghana, and like those we serve in Burkina Faso, get a seat at the table. A place to form partnerships, share solutions, and create new opportunity in a world that’s moving faster than ever.

Final Thought

Trade doesn’t move itself. It moves because someone plans the route, loads the truck, checks the tires, stamps the documents, and drives through the night.

And on the Ghana–Burkina Faso corridor, every kilometre tells a story. Of trust. Of cooperation. And sometimes, of sheer determination.

By G. JEEVAN RAOSAHIB

Emerging markets are often described as frontiers—full of promise, yet unpredictable. West Africa is no exception. For manufacturers and exporters looking to expand into this dynamic region, the opportunities are undeniable: a growing consumer base, abundant natural resources, and rapid urbanization. But the reality on the ground can be nuanced. Especially when it comes to logistics.

At Indelox Service Private Limited in India, we’ve supported clients entering West African markets—from medical device shipments to industrial components—and what we’ve learned is simple: success depends as much on the people you partner with as the products you move.

If you're expanding into countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, or Senegal, here’s what logistics partners (like us) look for in the businesses we serve—and what you, as an exporter or investor, should expect in return.

Clarity of Purpose & Market Understanding

We often ask new clients: Why West Africa? Is it market pull or strategic push? Are you entering through a distributor or setting up operations?

Logistics support varies dramatically based on the entry model. For instance, delivering pallets to a licensed distributor in Accra is not the same as supplying construction equipment to a project site in rural Nigeria.

We once worked with a pharmaceutical exporter who assumed Ghana’s regulations were similar to East Africa’s. That assumption led to a two-week delay at the Tema port due to incomplete health authority clearances.

Logistics providers can bridge many gaps—but not blind spots. Bring your research. Bring clarity.

Realistic Timelines and Flexibility

West Africa’s infrastructure is improving but still uneven. Port congestion, seasonal rains, inland customs delays—these can throw even the best plans off-course. Good logistics partners expect unpredictability. But we also expect our clients to build in realistic buffers.

When we see a client planning to launch within a week of product arrival—without factoring in last-mile clearance or warehousing constraints—it raises a red flag.

The best working relationships come when clients understand that agility beats rigidity. Plans should have room to breathe.

Willingness to Adapt to Local Compliance

Documentation norms vary. So do import permit requirements, product labeling laws, and even palletization standards. A one-size-fits-all global policy rarely works.

In Nigeria, certain FMCG products require NAFDAC registration before clearance. In Côte d’Ivoire, French-language labeling may be mandatory. In Ghana, Ghana Standards Authority certifications can delay entry if not pre-cleared.

Logistics providers expect clients to respect these differences. Better yet, we appreciate when clients ask early and plan collaboratively.

We’ve seen Indian exporters succeed in West Africa not because they had perfect systems—but because they listened, adapted, and prepared.

Forecasting and Inventory Planning

Too often, companies ship reactively—waiting for orders, then scrambling. In West Africa, that can backfire due to longer lead times and unpredictability at ports.

Strong logistics partners want visibility. When clients share forecasts—even tentative ones—it allows us to pre-book capacity, recommend staggered shipments, and even set up bonded warehousing where available.

One of our clients, an auto parts exporter from India, began sharing three-month forecasts when entering Ghana. We aligned with their distributor, pre-cleared shipments, and held rolling stock at a local 3PL warehouse. They never missed a delivery window.

Predictability breeds trust. And trust builds the foundation for expansion.

Respect for Relationships—Not Just Rates

In West Africa, relationships often matter more than price. A freight forwarder who knows the customs supervisor, a driver who understands port etiquette, a warehouse manager who keeps inspectors in the loop—these soft skills shape outcomes.

Logistics partners look for clients who value local expertise. Who don’t just treat West Africa as a “cost center” but as a market that deserves commitment.

At Indelox, we sometimes advise clients to work with multiple regional partners rather than forcing a global 3PL to “cover everything.” Local players often understand nuance better and respond faster.

This decentralization may feel unfamiliar. But in West Africa, it often works better.

Patience and Partnership

Above all, logistics partners look for clients who view us as collaborators, not just vendors. West African expansion involves learning curves—for everyone.

When clients approach this process with humility, curiosity, and a shared intent to solve problems together, we go the extra mile. We’ve rerouted shipments over weekends, navigated language barriers, and even coordinated last-mile deliveries during civil unrest—not because it was profitable, but because the relationship warranted it.

It’s a two-way street. We handle the unpredictability. You handle the vision. Together, we build resilience.

Looking Ahead

As Indelox Service Private Limited prepares for the 2025 Go Global Awards this November in London—hosted by the International Trade Council—we’re reflecting on the very meaning of “global.” It’s not just about reach. It’s about relevance.

West Africa is part of that relevance. And for companies in India and beyond, it’s a region that deserves thoughtful, informed engagement. Logistics is one part of the equation. But when done right, it can become a competitive advantage—not just a backend cost.

By GEORGE GLORY OPEKU Portlink Ghana Limited, Ghana

Transport is one of those things that looks simple until you’re the one responsible for it. On the surface, it may seem like moving goods from Point A to Point B is just about having trucks and fuel. But behind the scenes, there are layers of complexity: scheduling, route optimization, vehicle maintenance, driver management, compliance, and cost control. It’s no wonder businesses often find themselves torn between managing their own fleet or outsourcing haulage.

Having spent years leading operations at Portlink Ghana Limited, I've had the opportunity to weigh both options deeply. We’ve tested, tweaked, and transitioned through different models. And I can tell you—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are clear, real-world benefits (and trade-offs) on either side of the fence.

The Case for In-House Transport

Let’s start with control. There’s something powerful about owning and managing your fleet. You know the exact location of your goods, the state of your vehicles, and the behavior of your drivers. You can set internal standards and ensure they’re being followed. If something goes wrong, there's no third party to blame or wait on. You're in the driver's seat—literally and figuratively.

Operational flexibility is another big plus. Say there's an unexpected rush order, or a high-priority consignment that must arrive early. If you run your own fleet, you can often respond more quickly than a third-party provider. You can reroute vehicles, adjust schedules, or dispatch a truck immediately. That kind of responsiveness builds customer trust.

Also worth considering is branding. When your trucks are out there on the roads every day, they become moving billboards. This visibility reinforces your presence in the market. At Portlink Ghana Limited, we've found this subtle marketing to be quite effective. Our fleet is part of our identity—recognizable, reliable, and visible.

And cost? It’s not always cheaper, to be honest. But when managed well—especially at scale—in-house transport can be more economical over time. You eliminate markup from haulage contractors, optimize fuel usage with route planning, and build efficiencies with data analytics.

The Case for Outsourced Haulage

Now let’s talk about outsourced transport—because, to be fair, there are very strong arguments for it.

The biggest one is simplicity. No maintenance schedules. No driver training. No vehicle breakdowns to handle at midnight. You focus on your core business, and let someone else worry about the logistics. It’s often a huge relief, especially for small or medium-sized enterprises without the capacity to manage fleets.

There’s also scalability. Need 10 trucks one week and just 3 the next? Outsourcing makes that possible without wasting resources. You pay for what you need, when you need it.

Specialization is another factor. Professional haulage companies often have advanced tracking systems, trained drivers, and expertise in regulatory compliance. They live and breathe transport. And sometimes, you want that level of experience on your side.

I remember a time early in our company’s journey at Portlink Ghana Limited when we relied heavily on outsourced haulage for cross-border delivery into Burkina Faso. It made sense back then. We didn’t have the fleet size or regional experience yet. But as our volumes grew, so did our appetite for control, consistency, and cost predictability.

A Balanced Approach?

Here’s a thought—maybe it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Many successful businesses adopt a hybrid strategy. They manage core deliveries with in-house transport and rely on external partners for peak seasons, cross-border moves, or specialized cargo.

This kind of setup gives you a buffer. It helps mitigate risk, especially in unpredictable environments. And let’s face it, logistics in West Africa can throw curveballs. From sudden port delays to fuel shortages, having flexibility in your transport model can be a lifesaver.

At Portlink Ghana Limited, our journey has taught us to appreciate this balance. We invest in our own transport capabilities where it adds value. But we also build strong relationships with third-party hauliers who can step in when needed. It’s not a compromise—it’s a strategy.

Looking Ahead

As the logistics landscape evolves, so do the tools available. Telematics, real-time tracking, and smart routing technologies are leveling the playing field. Whether in-house or outsourced, transport today is about data-driven decisions. Efficiency isn’t just about who owns the truck—it’s about how intelligently it’s used.

And of course, decisions like these don’t happen in isolation. They’re influenced by your cash flow, your industry, the countries you operate in, and your long-term growth plans.

Portlink Ghana Limited, based in Ghana, is currently a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, being held in London this coming November. It's not just a recognition of our work in logistics and supply chain management—it’s also an opportunity to connect with peers across continents. The awards, hosted by the International Trade Council, serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and forward-looking collaboration. In such a fast-shifting world, these connections matter more than ever.

Every leader has a story. Some are shaped by markets, others by moments—and occasionally, a few by a quiet, consistent commitment to making things work better. Logistics isn’t often seen as glamorous, but it is foundational. It’s about movement, coordination, problem-solving. And sometimes, it’s simply about patience.

When I sat down to reflect on the journey of Portlink Ghana Limited, based in Ghana, I realized that our work isn’t just about moving goods from point A to point B. It’s about creating trust, removing friction, and building systems that people can count on.

My name is George Glory Opeku, and I’ve had the privilege of leading Portlink Ghana Limited through periods of both turbulence and transformation. What started as a modest operation has become a growing force in West Africa’s logistics landscape.

But let me be clear: we didn’t get here by magic or luck. It’s been years of learning by doing. Some lessons were harsh—delays that cost us customers, or moments where the team had to work all night just to clear a stuck container. Others were quietly triumphant, like when we completed a major inland haul under budget and ahead of schedule.

I’ve always believed leadership in logistics requires clarity, not just in process but in purpose. Take documentation, for example. You’d be amazed how much time is lost in the region because of missing or poorly filed customs papers. We’ve made it a core function at Portlink Ghana Limited to digitize processes and reduce redundancies. It's not perfect, not yet, but we’ve made enormous strides.

One area I’m particularly proud of is our attention to sustainability. Ghana, like much of Africa, is facing climate pressure—unpredictable rains, hotter days. At Portlink, we’ve started integrating solar panels at our warehouse facilities and have committed to using rainwater harvesting systems. These aren’t massive shifts yet, but they’re steps. And I believe leadership starts by taking steps, however small, before others even begin the conversation.

Another matter close to my heart is community engagement. We don’t operate in a vacuum. The drivers, clerks, loaders—they’re all part of something larger. So we invest back. Through our tree-planting campaign, we’ve crossed over 1,000 trees. I’ll admit, it might sound like a drop in the ocean. But it’s more than symbolic—it’s an acknowledgment that logistics isn’t just about business. It’s about belonging.

When people ask what it takes to lead in this sector, I often say: show up. Not just physically, but mentally. Be there in the difficult conversations. Own the failures. Celebrate the team’s smallest wins. Sometimes leadership looks like a boardroom strategy meeting, but more often, it's standing on the tarmac at 6am checking manifests.

In 2025, Portlink Ghana Limited was honored to be named a nominee for the Go Global Awards, which will be held in London on 18th–19th November 2025, hosted by the International Trade Council. This is not just another awards event—it’s a gathering of the most forward-thinking, bold, and agile business minds from around the world. A space to share, collaborate, and build bridges in a global market that never stops evolving. Being recognized alongside such talent? That’s humbling. But more importantly, it’s a moment to listen, learn, and grow.

What keeps me going isn’t the recognition. It’s the sense that we’re building something lasting. That someone shipping a crate of cocoa from Kumasi to Rotterdam can count on us. That we’re a dependable thread in the intricate fabric of trade.

The future of logistics in West Africa will demand resilience, adaptation, and, yes, a little bit of daring. There are still border inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory wrinkles. But there’s also opportunity—in digitization, in youth talent, and in regional cooperation.

To the next generation of logistics professionals reading this: invest in people. Master the basics. Be curious. And remember, the best logistics solution is the one no one notices because everything simply works.

By EUGENIA EYRAM OPEKU

There’s a curious thing about logistics. You can spend weeks planning a shipment, negotiate international freight, clear customs like a pro, and store everything perfectly—but if the delivery to the customer’s doorstep is late or clumsy, that’s all they’ll remember.

That final stretch—the so-called “last mile”—might be the shortest, but it's arguably the most impactful. It’s where promises meet reality.

In Ghana and across much of West Africa, the importance of last-mile delivery is becoming harder to ignore. With more businesses embracing e-commerce, more farmers trying to reach urban markets, and more consumers expecting timely, intact deliveries, last-mile performance has shifted from being a technical issue to a key driver of customer trust and brand loyalty.

I’ve seen this first-hand at PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED. Not long ago, we were coordinating the final delivery of sensitive construction equipment to a client located just outside of Kumasi. The shipment had made it through international shipping, local clearance, and inter-city transportation without a hitch. But that last mile—navigating tight access roads, communicating with local personnel, and ensuring the machinery was offloaded safely—was the part that truly tested us.

Because here’s the thing: it’s often not just about logistics at that stage. It’s about perception. How your team handles the last interaction leaves a lasting impression. One broken part, one late truck, one miscommunication—and a customer’s confidence can unravel.

Reliable last-mile delivery does more than meet an ETA. It reinforces professionalism. It shows respect for the customer’s time and investment. And in our region, where logistics infrastructure can be unpredictable, offering consistency in this area is almost a superpower.

Take, for instance, a small boutique in Accra that relies on imported fabrics to keep its business running. If their fabric arrives three days late because of a last-mile handoff gone wrong, their production schedule is disrupted. Orders are delayed. Clients are disappointed. And in some cases, they lose revenue.

You wouldn’t think a five-kilometre stretch from a local depot to their store could carry that much weight, but it does.

At PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED, we’ve built a philosophy around last-mile care. It’s not perfect—sometimes, traffic congestion or a surprise road closure throws us off. But we account for that. Our drivers are trained not just to deliver goods, but to communicate—proactively. We notify customers ahead of time, adapt our routes where possible, and ensure all handling is documented and transparent.

I think what surprises some people is that customer satisfaction in logistics isn’t always about being the fastest. It’s more about being dependable.

That’s where tech has helped, too. GPS tracking, digital proof of delivery, and real-time updates have given our clients—both businesses and individuals—a sense of control. And that control builds trust. Even if the delivery is delayed by 20 minutes, a customer who’s been informed and reassured won’t react the same way as one who’s left wondering.

Still, there are gaps to close. Infrastructure is a known challenge—rural roads, informal addresses, and inconsistent mobile connectivity can complicate delivery logistics. But I believe solutions don’t always have to be complex. Something as simple as calling a recipient ahead of time to confirm location details can prevent wasted hours and failed deliveries.

And let’s not forget the human side.

Behind every successful last-mile delivery is a team that understands urgency and empathy. It might be the dispatch coordinator who juggles multiple calls at once. Or the driver who carefully arranges fragile cargo so it doesn’t shift. These moments aren’t flashy, but they matter.

I should mention—our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. PORTLINK GHANA LIMITED, proudly based in Ghana, is a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening this November 18–19 in London. It’s a global gathering hosted by the International Trade Council—not just an awards event, but a convergence of forward-thinkers, leaders, and collaborators shaping the future of business. We're honoured to be part of that conversation. Because for us, logistics is not just about moving goods—it's about delivering reliability, one mile at a time.