Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 13, commissioned Phases One and Two of the Tema Port Expansion Project.
The new container terminal connects Ghana to global shipping routes and supports the country’s economic development by improving trade flows and creating jobs.
The facility is a modern, state-of-the-art container terminal, built by Meridian Port Services (MPS) to serve as a major hub for West and Central Africa.
President Mahama during his previous term, broke grounds for the construction works to begin on the facility on 16th November, 2016, a joint venture between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and MPS and its partners, Bolloré Transport and Logistics and APM Terminals.
The President in his address during the commissioning said the expansion of the Tema Port would go a long way to strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a reliable and efficient hub for international trade and investments.
He noted that with improved logistics capacity, shorter turnaround times and increased efficiency, the Tema Port enhances Ghana’s ability to compete globally.
He said the Tema Port Expansion was one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa’s maritime sector; declaring that it marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s path towards industrialization, competitiveness and global trade leadership.
“This project is the realization of a dream we have nurtured for years to establish Ghana as a gateway to West Africa. Today that dream becomes a tangible reality, symbolizing a national aspiration and international confidence,” he said.
He added that it also ensure that the nation’s exports reach markets more quickly and that imports become more affordable for businesses and consumers alike.
The President said in a world that was driven by speed, technology and efficiency, Tema Port’s modernization gives Ghana a competitive advantage.
“It is a strategic asset in attracting investments, creating jobs and facilitating trade across various sectors. Beyond the impressive structures we see today, this project has focused on people, on work, on dignity and opportunity,” President Mahama stated.
“Thousands of Ghanaians have gained employment during the period of its construction and also during its current operation, from engineers and technicians to logistics professionals, artisans and service providers and suppliers.”
The President reiterated that the Port had also become a catalyst for supporting industries, including the transport industry, warehousing, hospitality and maintenance, fostering a ripple effect of enterprise and innovation in our economic ecosystem.
He said as the Port continues to expand, it would remain a source of skills development and industrial opportunity for generations to come; stating that it supports their broader national vision of inclusive growth, value addition and economic diversification.
“This project is more than just a Ghanaian achievement. It is an African statement. With the African continental free trade area based here in Accra, Tama Port is strategically positioned as one of the key arteries of intra-African commerce,” the President said.
He said from Tema, goods could move seamlessly across borders, connecting producers, traders and consumers throughout the continent.
He said the Port therefore cemented Ghana’s role as a central player in Africa’s trade transformation, a vital hub driving integration, innovation and shared prosperity across their region.
The President paid tribute to the late Alhaji Asumah Banda, who served as Board Chairman for MPS for so many years, and the late Madam Dzifa Ativor, a former Transport Minister during his first administration, for their instrumental roles towards the execution of the Tema Port Expansion Project.
In addition, the President lauded Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, a former Deputy Transport Minister during his first administration and now a Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President, for the key role she played towards the implementation of the Project.
Mr Mohamed Samara, the Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Port Services (MPS) Tema Port, said the Project would certainly go down in history as one of Ghana’s biggest and most successful public-private partnerships ever made; adding that the Project represented a wonderful synergy between private and public services.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Transport Minister, commended Meridian Port Services, the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority, and all the distinguished partners who contributed to the monumental achievement.
“Your dedication has delivered a world-class facility that will serve Ghana and the sub-region for decades,” he said.
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