President commissions oil services centre in Takoradi

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned an oil and gas services centre at the Takoradi Port in the Western regional capital.

The government-funded project, estimated at $101 million, was executed by China Harbour Engineering Company in 2022.

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It has a 550-metre quay wall and fittings installed at a 10-metre dredged berth pockets, 1.9 kilometres of access roads, utility services and a 20-hectare serviced storage yard.

The project aims to establish a world-class shore-based logistics platform within the Takoradi Port, featuring offshore supply vessel facilities and a serviced waterfront land to support offshore oil and gas exploration, and production operations.

Before the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo said the project was a bold testament to the progress the country was making to position her as a leading hub of oil and gas services in West Africa.

The facility, he said, would not only streamline offshore supply services but also enhance heavy engineering and fabrication activities that were vital to petroleum exploration and drilling campaigns "within our reach by offering a comprehensive suite of services”.

“This terminal will strengthen Ghana's position as a competitive destination for oil and gas operations,” the President said, describing the facility as a hallmark of modern engineering and innovation.

“It provides a one-stop solution for the petroleum exploration industry, enabling efficient transformation of essential resources, supplies and personnel to and from offshore operational zones to reduce transit times and costs," President Akufo-Addo stated.

Again, through optimised supply chain management, he said the oil and gas terminal would create employment opportunities, foster the transfer of advanced technology and support local industries to thrive in the competitive global oil and gas market.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (in suit), cutting a tape to open the new facility. Those with him are Kwaku Ofori Asiamah (2nd from right), Minister of Transport, Isaac Osei (3rd from right), Board Chairman, GPHA and other dignitaries

"Today, we celebrate not just the commissioning of a facility but the realisation of a vision; one that cements Ghana's place as a leader in the oil and gas service sector and as a beacon of economic resilience and transformation, " he added.

President Akufo-Addo recalled inaugurating the Atlantic Container and Multi-purpose Terminal two years ago and the new dry bulk terminal, which were critical investments in port infrastructure.

"Today, we gather once more to mark the realisation of yet another transformative project; one that underscores the unwavering commitment of my government to enhancing Ghana's economic competitiveness through modern infrastructure,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

The President explained that such projects were critical to ensuring that "our ports remain competitive not only as gateways for international trade but also as enablers of regional integration and economic growth”. 

Keta Port

“I must also highlight ongoing efforts to realise my government's vision of establishing Ghana's third commercial port in Kedzi within the Keta Municipality in the Volta Region. Substantial progress has been made, including feasibility studies, stakeholder engagements and an environmental impact assessment. I'm acutely aware of the anticipation and enthusiasm of the people of the Volta Region for this project,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, thanked President Akufo-Addo for his support to the sector in the past eight years, saying his interventions had changed the Takoradi Port.

The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, also thanked President Akufo-Addo for giving the region “this remarkable project”.

The Director-General of the GPHA, Michael Luguje, urged all players in the oil and gas industry who had their warehouses scattered across the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to relocate to the new terminal for a one-stop shop service.