$700 million to be spent on port upgrade

Ghana is planning to spend $700 million to upgrade infrastructure at Takoradi port next year, according to a senior port official.

Nester Galley, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) announced Thursday that the project would comprise the development of oil services facility to support offshore oil production.

Other rehabilitation works include building an office accommodation, oil storage tanks for bunkering, storage facilities for oil production materials and cargo handling equipment.

The development of offshore oil production support services and oil tanks for bunkering would help to meet demand for bunkering along the West African coast, which is one of the world's largest offshore bunker markets.

The market services primarily fishing vessels, tankers, bulkers and container ships. Bunker demand also comes from the offshore oil industry, servicing rigs, floating production storage and offloading units.

Takoradi port would also have a wharf length of about 500 metres and water hydrants for the supply of fresh water to ships.

As part of a general infrastructure upgrade, the port would be provided with paved roads and railroad facilities, according to Galley.

He added that the aim of the renovations was to make Takoradi port the main port on the west coast of Africa.

The project, currently in the design stage, would be tendered before the end of this year. A total completion of the project is scheduled in 2028.

Galley said GPHA would strive to achieve its vision of becoming the Most Preferred Port in the West African Sub-Region.