Keta Port Project awaiting Feasibility Report to take-off – Transport Minister

Government says preparations towards the construction of Ghana’s third port in Keta is on course. It is scheduled to commence before the end of the year 2020. However, the next phase of the project would have to be determined by the report of a feasibility study.

According to the Minister for Transport, Kweku Ofori Asiama, the Government is going through the necessary processes to develop the Keta Port Project to help create jobs for the people in that community.

“The Government, through the Ministry of Transport, is committed to execute the Keta Port Project to help create jobs and enhance the socio-economic development of the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole,” he said.

The Minister disclosed this in Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in an answer to a question filed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, Richard Mawuli Quashigah, who wanted to know government’s plans to build a sea port in the Keta Municipality.

“A suitable site in Kedzi within the Keta Municipality has been identified to locate the Port of Keta. This site takes a good developmental and commercial use of a pre-engineered system of parts of the Keta Lagoon,” the Minister stated.

He said the President has shown commitment towards the project by backing it with an executive instrument to declare the area a port zone as well as appointed a Port Director to coordinate all the activities of the Keta Port Development.

Mr. Ofori Asiama indicated that as of 10^th February 2020, some activities had been concluded while others underway were at various stages for the project while indicating that the Chiefs and the people have been sensitized on the Project.

“The Ministry of Transport with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Board had met the Paramount Chief and Sub-Chiefs of the Keta Area and has sensitized them on the upcoming Project,” he said.

He disclosed that 7 out of 19 respondent applicants that expressed interest to undertake the project, were shortlisted to submit Technical and Financial Proposals for feasibility studies. Adding that Technical Evaluation was completed as far back as 7^th February 2020 where Financial Proposals were opened a week later and completed by the end of February.

According to the Minister, the Feasibility Report will determine the next line of action for the Project.

“It is expected that the Consulting Services for the feasibility studies will start in April 2020. The outcome of the feasibility Report will determine the Infrastructure needs of the project.”

Source: Clement Akoloh || businessweekghana.com