The Western Regional Minister Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah is wooing investors to make the western region a priority.
He is encouraging them to take full advantage of the ongoing expansion projects at the Takoradi Port.
The minister’s inspection of the project site served as a base for his call on investors to the Oil and Gas service terminal project slated to be completed in September 2024.
The Takoradi Port in the Sekondi-Takoradi district was established in 1928.
The Minister said, “The western region contributes 50% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which means when one invests in the western region, he stands a chance to have access to 50% of Ghana’s money.”
Mr Darko Mensah said the investment in the Takoradi Port was deliberate by government to create and increase more productivity and jobs for the people of the western region.
The minister also visited the Dry Bulk Terminal inaugurated by President Akufo Addo in 2022. The formal opening of the Terminal has enormously reduced the duration for loading which used to be 14-days to a 4-day duration currently.
“You have seen the Investment that the government has made in Takoradi Port which clearly shows that we know what we are about as a government to create more job opportunities for the good people of the Western Region and Ghana as a whole,” said the Minister.
The supervisor of the project, Mr Kwame Agyenim Boateng, an engineer, said the project was being financed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for Oil and Gas service providers, Fabrication Companies, Exploration Company Partners and Suppliers for supply-based activities to work more efficiently on completion of the terminal.
He said the Oil and Gas services Terminal when developed will provide 21 hectares of service terminal areas and 550 metres of primary quay wall facility.
The Minister said the ongoing projects were being carried out by a Chinese contractor.
The Director of the Takoradi Port, Mr Peter Amoo Bediako who was on the tour with the minister, admitted that the expansion work at the Port had increased efficiency in operations at the Port and urged the business community to take advantage of the potential investment opportunities at the port to partner in its expansion.
Great news. The Western Region of Ghana truly need investors not only at the port but to actually make the place work friendly.