GPHA begins process to engage investors for Keta Port 

By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will, on October 23 this year, host a public hearing forum on the proposed Keta Port project as part of plans to start the port’s construction.

The hearing will provide GPHA an opportunity to present the project’s full details, share anticipated environmental and social impacts and outline key mitigation measures.

Equally, the forum will create a platform for the affected communities and wider public to express concerns, ask questions and seek clarification.

Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Director-General of GPHA, explained that the upcoming engagement with people of Keta and its environs is necessary to solicit critical input from local communities in the area.

The Authority, he said, has already submitted the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement to the EPA, in line with Regulation 17 of the Environmental Assessment Regulation, 1999 (LI 1652).

“It was upon submission of the draft assessment that the EPA and GPHA scheduled the meeting to engage local communities where the port will be built,” Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono indicated.

According to him, persons with interests and concerns relating to the project’s potential environmental impact can also submit such concerns in writing to the EPA and GPHA.

Permit to engage investors after the forum

Head of Corporate Communication at GPHA, Delali Sewoekpor, speaking to B&FT explained that – barring any unforeseen delay after the forum – it is expected the permit, which includes approval to engage investors for the project to kickstart, will be given to GPHA.

The proposed Keta Port

The Keta Port project, an estimated US$600million investment, aims to transform Keta into a major trading hub with a commercial cargo port and industrial enclave.

This is the country’s third commercial port and has faced significant delays in construction, though GPHA confirmed ongoing construction of a five-story administration block in 2024. The delay has led to local frustration and scepticism over the previous government’s commitment to the project.

The port is intended to boost regional trade and economic growth by creating a commercial cargo port to handle containerised and bulk shipments and support oil and gas activities.

Upon its completion, the port is expected to boost Ghana’s port infrastructure, stimulate the economy, generate jobs and leverage regional trade opportunities.

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