The Meridian Port Services (MPS) has laid the last pavement block to signify the completion of the first phase of the Tema Port Expansion Project.

The new MPS Terminal 3 will connect Ghana to Africa’s consumer markets through direct services, shorter transit times and competitive sea freight rates.

It is expected to attract further investments in facilities and factories around the Tema Port and also improve port productivity and capacity.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the MPS, Mr Mohammed Samara, thanked all who contributed to the successful completion of the works.

The expansion

He said the first phase had increased the container handling capacity of the port from one million to 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

In addition, he said, the last 10 months of operations had presented the opportunity to stress-test and stabilise the fully integrated systems and processes at the terminal.

He said the seamless synchronisation of the system and processes, coupled with the modern infrastructure, could only guarantee the success of the terminal in delivering the highest service levels to the maritime industry.

“The MPS will continue to improve the socio-economic fortunes of our community and nation at large, create a safe and secure environment for the port community as we engage in investment for the port community that will grow our external connectivity to newer markets in the global transport sphere,” he said.

Economic recovery

The Minister of Trade and Industries, Mr Alan Kyerematen, described the facility as vital towards Ghana’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

He expressed optimism that the country would benefit from the global shifting necessitated by the pandemic, indicating that it held significant positive implications for the nation.

“Port infrastructure or port facilities are not an end in themselves; they are meant to be a means of facilitating trade — I believe that because of what we are seeing here today and given the level of efficiency in the operations of the MPS so far within this very short period,” he said.

Maintenance

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Daniel Titus-Glover, urged the operators of the facility not to lose focus, saying constant maintenance and upgrading of the systems would guarantee the future of the facility.

“I am pleased to learn that a host of Ghanaian workers were employed to complete these works; each gained some knowledge and many have since gone on to work on other construction projects across the country,” he said.

The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Michael Luguje, said the authority would make major investments to realise the full potential of the Terminal 3, adding that it would also continue to keep the port active, in spite of the worldwide economic difficulties.

“Following the construction of the harbour basin capable of accommodating more berths, we will begin to look at further developments to bring to full manifestation our vision for the Tema Port,” he said.

“We will also look forward to improvements in our roads and rail sector to complement this infrastructure to facilitate the transport of raw materials to and from the hinterlands,” he added.