Management of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has defended the government’s intentions to construct a port at Keta, noting that the project is viable.
Management, in a statement signed by Dr. Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, noted that assertions by sections of the public that the Keta Port Project was not viable because of its proximity to the Tema and Lome Ports were misleading.
It noted that the Keta Port project was part of a broader plan to develop maritime infrastructure in the Volta Region, indicating that “the decision to proceed was based on strategic considerations, including future economic potential. The Authority has conducted a thorough feasibility study, and the results indicate that constructing a port in Keta is viable.”
It added that following this, a national and international stakeholder engagement has been held to present the findings, as well as the publication of the notice of Expression of Interest by potential investors.
Management announced that currently, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment on the Keta Port Project has been completed and is awaiting a public hearing by the Environmental Protection Agency, following which a permit would be issued to guide the development of the port project.
Touching on the Keta Port’s administrative building contract, it indicated that it was properly executed, and the advance payment was made in accordance with the law.
Reacting to other allegations in the media against the GPHA, management observed that the conduct of any auctioning at the company was always carried out under the relevant laws of Ghana and in line with due administrative processes.
It noted that regarding allegations of “auctioning of a Reach Stacker (RST4517) under dubious circumstances; 10 relatively new trailers mysteriously missing; 10 old trailers given to MPs under suspicious terms; and Tema Shipyard equipment stolen and sold as scrap,” an eight-member committee was set up to investigate the matter and make recommendations.
The committee, it noted, was yet to present its report, which would be studied for the necessary action to be taken, indicating that it was proper that the process was not stampeded to satisfy the sensations of others.
The statement further explained that the Boankra Inland Port Project was a national infrastructure initiative under the auspices of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, with oversight provided by the Ministry of Transport.
“GPHA’s involvement in this project was procedurally authorised by the state through the Ministry of Transport, and all the directives were carried out in strict compliance with due process.”
It stressed that the port authority remained committed to the development of Ghana’s ports and would continue to work diligently to protect the assets of the GPHA and ensure that the country’s port infrastructure serves the best interests of all Ghanaians.
Management added that GPHA was willing to fully cooperate with any statutory investigative body for any enquiry into allegations of rots being peddled in the media.
Credit: GNA
