New Takoradi residents fight GPHA over port expansion

Residents of New Takoradi in the Western Region have vowed to resist attempts by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to resettle them owing to expansion works on the east coast of the Takoradi Port which is expected to be carried out soon.

The residents indicated that because most of them were fishermen and fishmongers, the purported decision to move them elsewhere from their current location would affect their livelihoods.

The community members say information reaching them suggests that port authorities had decided to move them to a new location in Sekondi, far away from their current settlement.

Under the circumstances, some concerned residents of New Takoradi have registered their displeasure at a forum that was organised a couple of weeks ago to brief stakeholders on the progress of work and other developments on the planned port expansion project.  

The protesting youth were led by the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Youth of New Takoradi Association, Mr Ebo Sam. They opposed the move by the GPHA, immediately after a presentation by the Director-General of the GPHA, Mr Richard Anamoo.

To the utmost surprise of participants in the forum, including the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, and his deputy, Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, traditional authorities and other high profile personalities, the group unveiled placards registering their displeasure over the project.

Some of the inscriptions read, ''GPHA has taken us for granted for a long time'' and ''We have suffered too much, it's time to honour us.'' 

Director-General reacts

In a quick response, the Director-General  of the GPHA assured the youth that the proposed sea reclamation project would not affect their current abode. He said their houses would not be affected in any way and rather, it was the landing sites for the fishermen that was to be relocated.

The GPHA is seeking to reclaim more than 53,00 hectares of land from the sea to pave way for the construction of an industrial enclave that would absorb the huge businesses that come to the port.

Mr Anamoo explained that the project would not affect the fishmongers, since they were not located at the intended project site. He said ''We have done our studies and there is not going to be any demolition to even warrant compensation. It is not part of the plan.''

He said the forum was called to set the stage for further consultations with the various communities along the coast. He said the port authorities would continue to dialogue with the people to ensure that what was the best for both sides prevailed. 

He cautioned against agitation, saying that ''We are sending a bad signal to investors who can decide to opt out of the development process. Avoid sending wrong signals because the authority cannot be autocratic and impose its will on the people.”

Call for dialogue

The director-general brushed aside rumours that port authorities had paid huge sums of money to certain individuals and groups as a bribe to pave the way for the authority to smoothly carry out the project.

"We need investment in our ports and once it is coming, we have to take it and benefit from  it. There is no time to waste and no money has been paid to anyone as a bait to pave way for the project," he said.

The regional minister advised the angry youth to desist from sending wrong signals to would-be investors and rather use dialogue to settle matters.

"Let us dialogue constructively and think about the future and the benefit that we shall get from the project," he said.

He said there was the need for sacrifices to be made towards the successful implementation of the port expansion project.