The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has announced that over six private investors are interested in partnering with the government to develop the Keta Port in the Volta Region. This development is seen as a significant step toward the realization of the long-awaited port project.
According to GPHA’s Director-General, Michael Luguje, the next key step in the process is the completion of an environmental and social impact assessment report. This report, to be issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is critical as it will guide the potential investors in refining their proposals for the project.
President Akufo-Addo had earlier marked the location for the port in Keta by signing an Executive Instrument (EI) in October 2018, officially designating it as the Port of Keta under the management of the GPHA. However, the project has faced delays, leading to frustration among Keta residents who are eager to see progress.
In a recent media interaction, Mr. Luguje stated that while the government is yet to receive formal proposals from the interested investors, discussions are ongoing.
“Whilst we are waiting for the environmental and social impact assessment, we started already engaging potential investors. So far over six different companies, local and international, have expressed interest in partnering government to build that port”, Luguje said.
He emphasized that the environmental and social impact assessment report is crucial for the investors.
“But they also need the environmental and social impact assessment report to help them inform and refine the proposals they will be submitting to us.
“We hope that in the next month or two, if we get the report released by the EPA, then we will submit it to these investors and then they will go through and then work towards giving us much more concrete proposals on what kind of partnership they want to have with us to build and operate the Port of Keta.”
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