Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, has called on investors to prioritize investments in the Western Region, emphasizing the advantageous position of the ongoing expansion works at the Takoradi Port.
During an inspection of the Oil and Gas Services Terminal, scheduled for completion in September 2024, the Minister highlighted the region's significant contribution to Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The Western Region contributes to 50 percent of Ghana's GDP, which means when one invests in the Western Region, he stands at an advantage to have access to 50 percent of Ghana's money,” stated Mr. Darko-Mensah.
He underscored the intentional efforts of the government to enhance productivity and create job opportunities through investments at the Takoradi Port.
The Minister commended the progress on various projects, including the recently inaugurated Dry Bulk Terminal, which significantly reduced loading time from 14 days to four days.
He expressed satisfaction, saying, “You have seen the investments that the government has made in Takoradi Port, which clearly shows that we know what we are about as a government to create more job opportunities for the good people of the Western Region and Ghana as a whole.”
The inspection covered the Atlantic Terminal Services, a Container Terminal Development, and the Prime Meridian Docks, a private investment for ship and rig repairs.
These projects form part of the Container and Multipurpose Terminal Concession Partnership involving GPHA, IbisTek Limited, AFC-Equity of the Africa Finance Corporation, and others.
Mr. Kwame Agyenim Boateng, the Port Engineer supervising the project, explained that when completed, the Oil and Gas Services Terminal would provide 21 hectares of service terminal areas and a 550-meter primary quay wall facility with a 10-meter water depth at berth. The ongoing projects are being handled by a Chinese contractor.
Accompanying the Minister on the tour, Mr. Peter Amoo Bediako, the Director of the Takoradi Port, acknowledged the positive impact of the expansion drive on operational efficiency.
He encouraged the business community to explore potential investment opportunities at the Port and participate in its expansion initiatives.
The Takoradi Port, established in 1928, plays a crucial role in exporting timber, cocoa, bauxite, manganese, and serves as a central pivot for supplies to the Jubilee Field, an offshore oil field in the region.
