President Mahama Breaks Ground on $235 Million Takoradi Port Expansion

President John Dramani Mahama broke ground on Tuesday for two expansion projects at the Port of Takoradi totaling more than $235 million. The developments include Project Shiprite, a $137 million integrated ship repair and maintenance facility, and Berth 19, a $98.41 million facility funded by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

Developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited under a 25-year concession, Project Shiprite aims to serve cargo and offshore vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. The facility is designed to reduce the need for ships and oil rigs to travel to Europe or South Africa for repairs, thereby lowering fuel emissions and journey times. The project is backed by a consortium of local and international investors, including the UK-co-owned Private Infrastructure Development Group, which is also providing a $300,000 grant for a Gender Impact Enhancement Programme to increase women's participation in the technical workforce.

President Mahama described the projects as part of a "big push and the reset agenda to create jobs," noting that the ship maintenance facility alone will create 430 direct jobs. To support these maritime upgrades, the government has secured funding for major highways and the Western railway line to improve transport to the hinterland and Sahelian countries.