The Ghanian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has formally opened the second phase of the Tema Port Expansion Project.
The initiative, which is a critical component of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s (GPHA) master plan, includes the installation of a fleet of 15 cutting-edge gantry cranes at Meridian Port Services (MPS) container terminal, as well as significant civil works development, reinforcing the port’s role as a key hub for West Africa.
The terminal is operated by MPS, a joint venture between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (30 per cent), APM Terminals (35 per cent) and Africa Global Logistics (35 per cent).
The second phase of Tema Port Expansion Project encompasses the paving of an expansive 270,000-square-metre area, expanding the terminal’s footprint from 100 hectares to an impressive 127 hectares.
The phased delivery of the first section, comprising 50,000-square-metre area, is slated for July 2024, with the entire project anticipated to reach completion by September 2025.
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Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS, said: “Today’s gathering marks the initiation of the second Phase of our investment that promises to usher in a new era of enhanced capacity at Tema Port. We are setting in motion a transformation that will fundamentally alter Ghana’s standing in the maritime industry of West Africa.”
Igor van den Essen, Regional Managing Director Africa and Europe at APM Terminals added: “When we embarked on this journey with our partners, we envisioned a unique facility that would offer customers a seamless cargo clearance experience with minimal bottlenecks.”
He also emphasized the commitment to holistic people development and continuous process improvement, which are at the core of APM Terminals’ operations.
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van den Essen added: “Over the past decade, we have focused on developing a comprehensive operating system, which we refer to as our Way of Working. This system revolves around the Lean Management approach, aiming to eliminate waste and inefficiencies through collective efforts.
“Equally, our commitment to deploying world-class technology has not only improved our operations but also enhanced working conditions for all employees. For instance, roles that previously required long hours of manual labour have been streamlined through technology, creating opportunities for women to take on these positions.”
