2nd phase T’di Port expansion begins Dec

The first phase of the expansion of the Takoradi Port is nearing completion. The project involves the extension of the main breakwater, provision of facilities to handle bulk commodities and dredging of access channels.

President John Dramani Mahama is, therefore, expected to cut the sod for the second phase of the project in the first week of December 2013.

A Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, told journalists at the Flagstaff House yesterday that the expansion programme was in line with the government’s decision to step up infrastructural development in the country to cater for both local and foreign investor needs.

Takoradi Port

The first and second phases of the project totalling $344 million are expected to be executed within two years.

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) signed an agreement with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the first phase of the project.

Total traffic at the Takoradi Port rose by 32 per cent from 4,948,553 metric tons in 2011 to 5,310,697 metric ton in 2012, while imports recorded in 2012 were 2,314,856 metric tons, as against 2,088,533 metric tons in 2011.

Other projects

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said apart from the Takoradi Port expansion project, government would construct more schools and roads to help provide alternative means of livelihood for the people, irrespective of their geographical locations.

Last week, President Mahama visited the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions where he cut the sod for the commencement of work on some development projects, inspected ongoing ones and inaugurated some completed projects.

Mr Kwakye-Ofosu said the President had also lined up a number of visits to the other regions where he was expected to thank the people for their support in the 2012 general elections and also inspect and inaugurate projects in line with the better Ghana agenda.

He said President Mahama was satisfied with the desire of Ghanaians to engage the government on its development agenda, and urged them to criticise constructively to enable the government to chart the best path for development.

“The President is interested in feedback, and will, therefore, be happy to hear from people through the social media,” he said.

The deputy minister, however, cautioned that much as the government welcomed constructive criticism, it would not countenance insults and other utterances that would undermine the peace and unity in the country.