The $1.5 billion Tema port expansion project which is expected to start from October 1 is expected to be completed by the 4th quarter of 2019 and anticipated to create over 5,000 direct jobs.

The project when completed would open up the depths of the harbour by adding 4 deep water berths, a breakwater and new access channel to enable the port accommodate vessels of up to 20,000 TEU capacity.

It is also expected to be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest container ships and improve cargo handling services in Ghana with the aim of becoming the lead in the West African sub region.

Speaking in an interview with the media on the sidelines of African Ports Evolution conference, the director of the Tema Port, Jacob Adorkor said “haulers would be encouraged to approach the contractor to sign a contract to move various sizes of rocks basically from the Shai Hills to Tema port to start the construction of the breakwater.

“Whiles the breakwater construction is ongoing we would be dredging and using the dredged material to refill the reclaimed area.” The firm undertaking the project, China Harbour Engineering Company has moved to site conducting preliminary surveys for construction of the 4-kilometre breakwater phase of the project.

Mr Adorkor further indicated that the expansion has become necessary due to the growth of shipping activity at the port adding that “it is not only general cargo, but containers. We have pulled down transit sheds to provide space for containers but more containers continue to come in.

“The safety levels have improved, security levels have improved and even at our anchorages the security level is the best in West Africa and because of that more vessels are calling in and since more vessels are calling in we need space.”