Eastern Corridor, Tema Port upgrades to transform trade and travel - Asiedu Nketiah

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and concurrently the Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has announced ambitious plans for significant upgrades to the Eastern Corridor roads and the Tema Port.

Speaking to enthusiastic residents of Kpasa in the Nkwanta North Constituency, Oti Region, as part of his "thank you tour" following the 2024 general elections, Johnson Asiedu Nketia outlined a vision to revolutionise transportation in Ghana and across its northern borders.

The far-reaching initiative, according to the seasoned politician, aims to make transportation "easier and faster" for Ghana's landlocked neighbouring countries to the north, which currently lack direct access to the sea.

These upgrades are expected to solidify Ghana's position as a critical trade hub in West Africa, fostering greater economic integration and facilitating the efficient movement of goods for countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Beyond its international implications, the project holds profound domestic significance. Johnson Asiedu Nketia assured the people of the northern parts of the country that the improved infrastructure would provide them with "easy, short, and safer transportation to Accra."

This commitment addresses long-standing challenges faced by travellers and traders from the North, who often endure arduous and protracted journeys to the capital.

"We are going to upgrade the Eastern Corridor roads and Tema Port so that transportation will be easier and faster for our neighbouring countries at the northern borders of Ghana, which do not have access to the sea," Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated emphatically, receiving a round of applause. "This will also help you, the people from the northern side of the country, to have easy, short, and safer transportation to Accra."

His dual role as NDC Chairman and GPHA Board Chairman lends considerable weight to the announcement, suggesting that these infrastructure projects will be a priority for the government. The Eastern Corridor, a critical artery linking the southern parts of Ghana to the northern regions and beyond, has long been a subject of public concern due to its sometimes dilapidated state.

The promised upgrades are expected to involve extensive rehabilitation, widening, and modernising of the road network, significantly cutting down travel times and improving safety.

Similarly, the Tema Port, already Ghana's busiest commercial hub, is slated for further enhancements to improve its capacity, efficiency, and turnaround times for cargo. These improvements are vital for handling the projected increase in regional trade and ensuring seamless operations for both imports and exports.

The announcement, made during a tour designed to express gratitude to constituents for their participation in the recent elections, underscores a commitment to equitable national development and regional cooperation.

Residents of Kpasa expressed optimism that these pledges, coming from a figure of Johnson Asiedu Nketia's standing, would translate into tangible benefits, unlocking economic potential for their region and beyond.

The upgrades are anticipated to spur economic growth, create jobs, and enhance overall connectivity, ushering in a new era of development for Ghana and its neighbours.