GPHA invests US$98.41M in Takoradi Port expansion as Mahama cuts sod for Berth 19

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is investing US$98.41 million in the expansion of the Port of Takoradi, as part of efforts to increase cargo-handling capacity, accommodate larger vessels and strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional maritime and trade hub.

President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of the 300-metre-long Berth 19 facility, which is designed to accommodate vessels of up to 75,000 deadweight tonnes.

The project, being financed entirely by GPHA, is expected to improve the port’s capacity to handle dry bulk cargo, particularly mineral ores for export and imported materials such as clinker for the cement industry.

The investment is being supported by the Authority’s improved financial position, partly resulting from revenue generated through the expansion of the Port of Tema under the Meridian Port Services (MPS) arrangement.

Since the commencement of operations at the expanded MPS Terminal, GPHA has earned approximately US$421 million, equivalent to nearly GH¢5 billion, providing resources for the Authority to undertake major infrastructure investments.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Takoradi in the Western Region, President Mahama said the expansion of Berth 19 was necessary to address capacity constraints at the dry bulk terminal and accommodate increasing volumes of cargo.

He noted that the Takoradi Port had evolved significantly from its traditional role as an export point for Ghana’s timber, cocoa, bauxite and manganese into a modern facility handling imports, exports, containers and oil and gas-related services.

The President said continued investment in port infrastructure was essential to supporting the country’s growing industrial and commercial activities.

EXPANSION TO BOOST MINERAL EXPORTS AND CARGO HANDLING

The Berth 19 project is expected to increase the port’s capacity to handle mineral exports and imported dry bulk products, supporting mining companies and cement manufacturers operating in the country.

President Mahama said the expansion would complement earlier investments in the port, including the container terminal, oil and gas services terminal and dredging works that have enabled the facility to receive larger vessels.

The project is expected to be completed within 26 months.

FLOATING DRY DOCK PROJECT REACHES FINANCIAL CLOSE

The ceremony also coincided with the achievement of financial close for the US$137 million Prime Meridian Floating Dock Project at the Port of Takoradi.

Supported under the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership, the project is expected to establish a modern ship repair and maintenance facility serving vessels operating along the Gulf of Guinea.

President Mahama said the facility would address the absence of a major ship repair hub along the West African coast, where vessels and offshore oil and gas installations often have to travel to Europe or South Africa for specialised maintenance.

The project is expected to be completed within 18 months and create approximately 430 jobs, with 30 per cent of the positions reserved for women.

The President said the facility would also provide opportunities for technology transfer and specialised skills development, equipping Ghanaian workers to compete in the international maritime industry.

He expressed confidence that the two projects would strengthen Takoradi’s role in Ghana’s maritime economy, attract increased shipping activity and create employment opportunities.

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