$98M Berth 19 project to boost Takoradi’s Port bulk handling capacity – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated a $98 million expansion project at Berth 19 of the Takoradi Port in Ghana. This major infrastructure investment aims to significantly increase the port's capacity to handle mineral exports and imported dry bulk cargo, strengthening Ghana's maritime infrastructure and positioning the country as a regional hub for shipping and cargo handling.

The expansion comes in response to growing demand for exporting mineral ores and importing dry bulk materials, particularly clinker for cement manufacturing. President Mahama highlighted the importance of the project as part of Government's broader efforts to improve trade logistics and enhance the nation's position as a regional shipping and cargo center.

The Berth 19 expansion is expected to be completed within 26 months, with the President expressing anticipation of commissioning the facility after construction. Additionally, President Mahama announced government's support for the Western Railway Line, prioritising it under the country's new economy plan. The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first extending the railway to Nyinahini to support mineral resource development, and the second extending the line to Hamile in the Upper West Region, connecting Ghana's ports to Burkina Faso.

The railway will facilitate the transportation of minerals, including manganese and bauxite, to the ports and provide an alternative route for transporting other cargo. Furthermore, President Mahama disclosed plans for the development of private-sector-led Esikuma Port and another port in Debre, situated in the Savannah Region. These projects, financed by the International Finance Corporation, will support the Volta Corridor and offer alternative routes for landlocked Burkina Faso to access imports and exports.

This initiative is part of the Accra Reset agenda, aiming to reduce Africa's dependence on external support and build more resilient economies. The Accra Reset, initially focused on health sovereignty, has evolved into a broader advocacy for reforms in the global financial architecture, calling for greater access to patient capital for African countries.