The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for prioritising the Keta Port project.
According to him, the project would be a game-changer that would provide numerous economic benefits and opportunities for growth in the region.
Mr. Gunu, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the public hearing on the proposed Keta Port project, said that the project was expected to boost the local economy, create jobs and stimulate trade and industrialisation in the region, as well as enhance Ghana’s maritime logistics capacity to open up new trade corridors with neighboring countries.
“This is the project we must take on our own. We need to support the government and the various authorities that are taking up the mandate to see the project materialised,” he said.
Mr. Gunu emphasised that the government was committed to seeing the project through to completion and noted that various engagements with traditional leaders and stakeholders were held to ensure that the project was implemented in a way that benefits the local community.
He said that the public hearing was to discuss the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Keta Port project, which provided the opportunity for stakeholders and various individuals to raise their concerns and provide input on the project.
He further assured the public that the government was committed to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the project, which, in a way, would minimize the environmental impacts and maximize benefits for the local community.
“President Mahama has many legacies for Volta, and the Keta Port Project is one. And I believed strongly that by the time Mahama leaves power, Volta will be transformed beyond imagination. What we need is support from the public.”
He said the Keta Port project was expected to create numerous job opportunities for the local population, with the focus not only on the provision of direct employment but also on creating indirect jobs in industries such as logistics and transportation.
Mr. Gunu said that the Keta Port project was part of the government’s efforts to develop the Volta Region and promote regional integration, while the project would also enhance the economic potential and improve the quality of life for residents.
Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Board Chairman of Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, during the engagements, urged the residents along the coast of Volta to collaborate with the workers for a successful and smooth project.
He expressed satisfaction about the contributions and suggestions made by the public and promised that the port, which was seen as the third gateway to neighbouring countries, would be beneficial to the entire country and boost the economy, which would reflect on the public.
Madam Nana Ama Brown Klutsey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, said that various studies were done, while other necessary studies were also underway to address any impact or challenges the residents would face.
She assured the public that the government was committed to addressing the concerns and pledged that the project would be implemented sustainably.
Some residents GNA interacted with during the meeting expressed excitement over the engagement and hoped that the port project would be completed within the stipulated time for their benefit.
They said that despite the potential benefits of the project, there were various concerns about the impact on the environment and local communities, and urged the government, GPHA, and EPA to put up various mechanisms and alternative plans to control any unforeseen situations.
They perceived that the project would be a major milestone in the region’s development and would have a lasting impact on the lives of many residents in the communities when completed.
GNA gathered that the Keta Port project has received support from various stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local communities.