Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has outlined government plans for the proposed Keta Port, the redevelopment of Ho Airport and transport safety services in the Volta Region.
Speaking at a citizens’ engagement in Ho on Friday, July 17, Mr Nikpe said preparatory processes for the Keta Port project had been completed and that the Environmental Protection Agency had issued an environmental permit in April following an impact assessment.
He said an administrative and operational block for the port was under construction and was about 80 per cent complete. The facility is expected to be finished by January 2027, he said, as part of preparations towards port operations.
According to the minister, discussions have begun with private investors on a public-private partnership to finance and build the port. He said the proposed development is intended to include container and cargo terminals, a shipyard for vessel repair and maintenance, and roads connecting the site to the national road network.
Ho Airport plans
Mr Nikpe said government had started measures to revive Ho Airport, where some facilities had deteriorated after a prolonged period without maintenance. Electricity supply has been restored through the installation of a new transformer, with support from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, he said.
He said President John Dramani Mahama had directed that the airport should become a multi-purpose aviation hub. Plans include an aviation academy to train pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians and other industry personnel.
The ministry is engaging a private investor from the Volta Region on a partnership with the Ghana Airports Company Limited to establish the proposed training institution, Mr Nikpe said. He added that the plans also cover aircraft hangars, a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre, and the possible introduction of air-taxi charter services.
Lake safety and licensing services
On inland water transport, the minister said a Volta Lake Transport Safety Office had been established at Kpando Torkor. He said trained personnel recruited from the region would monitor vessel operations and enforce safety regulations, while a search-and-rescue vessel had been stationed there for emergencies on the lake.
Mr Nikpe also said the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority had opened an office at Vakpo in the Kpando Municipality. Construction of a modern DVLA office at Hohoe is expected to begin soon, he added.
He said the transport investments were intended to improve mobility, trade and employment opportunities in the region, with private-sector participation expected to play a role in the larger projects.
