Transport sector delegation visits Singapore

A 15-member delegation from the Transport and Ports Sector, led by Deputy Minister for Transport Joyce Bawa-Mogtari, has undertaken a study tour of Singapore to learn best practices in the development of sustainable transport infrastructure.

The week-long tour was organised by the Ghana Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme as part of its capacity building initiative designed to expose targeted public organisations undertaking specific PPP projects to best practices around the world and to equip them with the know-how to successfully procure and implement PPP projects.

The delegation interacted with Singapore’s Ports and Transportation Authorities and some selected companies undertaking PPP projects.

The Government has announced plans to embark on some major infrastructural projects in the transport sector, notably the rehabilitation and expansion of the Kotoka International Airport, Takoradi Port Rehabilitation and Expansion and the Boankra Inland Port and Eastern Railway Line projects.

Magdalene Apenteng, Director of Public Investment Division at the Ministry of Finance’s Division responsible for overseeing the implementation of the PPP Programme, said that such study tours are organised as part of a comprehensive capacity building programme to anchor the required human resource for undertaking PPP projects, both for public and private sector entities in Ghana.

She said Singapore was chosen for the study tour because its transport infrastructure is well developed and has historical similarities with that of Ghana.

“Globally, Singapore is also very well-known and recognised for the efficient and effective integrated transport infrastructure, which facilitates the movement of people and goods to and from Singapore thereby creating an enjoyable and vibrant living environment.

Members of the delegation described the trip as very enlightening and promised to follow Singapore’s procedures.

“We have learnt that all the requisite due diligence must be undertaken in selecting the respective private sector entities or companies to ensure successful projects,” they added.

The delegation was made up of representatives from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, the Ghana Railway Development Authority, the Ghana Airports Company Ltd, the Volta Lake Transport Company Ltd, as well as representatives from the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of Finance.