Members of the public and stakeholders in the maritime sector have been called on by the director of Takoradi Port, Captain James Owusu-Koranteng, to support the ongoing expansion at the port in the Ghana.
James Owusu-Koranteng said: “Ghanaians should keep an open mind and allow the port to be expanded; we should not allow foreigners to take over the job. We need locals to take over the oil and gas business so that the droppings or revenue from the business will stay within the country.”
Captain James Owusu-Koranteng’s comments come on the back of plans by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to reposition the Takoradi Port to support the country’s offshore oil and gas production.
Owusu-Koranteng continued: “The future is bright for Takoradi Port, the Takoradi metropolis and the country as a whole provided we are given the free hand to operate and also given the support both internationally and locally to churn out the ideas, the dreams and the vision of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
“We are progressing steadily on plans to turn the Takoradi Port into an oil and gas hub to support offshore exploration activities in the country; the breakwater and a desalination plant to supply clean water to the platform has been completed.”
Takoradi Port is expected to meet the demands of the growing international market once the expansion is complete.
It will also be able to reduce ship turnaround time to ease congestion and accommodate larger vessels.
The entire platform at Takoradi port is expected to be fully operational by mid-2016.
