Mahama Breaks Ground for $137m Ship Repair Facility at Takoradi Port; 450 Jobs Expected

The project, known as Project Shiprite, is expected to transform the operations of the Western Region’s major seaport by introducing modern ship repair and dry-docking infrastructure capable of serving commercial vessels operating across the Gulf of Guinea.

The groundbreaking and financial close ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Takoradi Port, bringing together government officials, investors, financiers and maritime industry stakeholders.

The investment is being developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited (PMD) under a 25-year concession agreement with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

Project Shiprite: A major boost for Ghana’s maritime industry

The US$137 million facility is designed to address a significant gap in the maritime industry in Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.

Currently, vessels operating along the Gulf of Guinea often have to travel considerable distances to access specialised ship repair and dry-docking services, including facilities in Namibia, Spain and South Africa.

The establishment of Project Shiprite at Takoradi is expected to reduce these lengthy diversions, allowing shipowners to undertake essential repairs and maintenance closer to their operational routes.

The facility will be equipped to service vessels measuring up to 200 metres in length, positioning Takoradi as a competitive destination for commercial ship repair services.

The project has been described as a strategic infrastructure investment that could strengthen Ghana’s maritime economy, improve shipping efficiency and attract additional international business to the country.

Mahama expresses confidence in private-sector investment

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama reportedly expressed confidence in the ability of the private sector to manage the facility and address the longstanding deficit in ship repair infrastructure along Ghana’s coast.

The President noted that the Gulf of Guinea has considerable vessel traffic but lacks a major modern ship repair facility capable of meeting the demands of the industry.

He welcomed the project as an important intervention that would fill the gap and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.

The investment also reflects the government’s broader interest in mobilising private capital to support strategic infrastructure development and economic expansion.

450 jobs and new economic opportunities for the Western Region

Beyond direct employment, the project is expected to create opportunities for local contractors, engineering firms, transport operators, suppliers, artisans and other businesses within the Takoradi and Sekondi business communities.

The construction and eventual operation of the facility could also stimulate demand for specialised technical skills, including marine engineering, welding, mechanical maintenance, electrical works and shipyard operations.

For the Western Region, which has a strong connection to the maritime, oil and gas, and fishing industries, the investment presents an opportunity to deepen the local industrial base.

The facility is also expected to generate more than US$50 million annually, according to the project’s CEO, Stanley Ahorlu, as reported at the ceremony.

What the $137 million investment will deliver

Project Shiprite is expected to feature several critical infrastructure components designed to support modern ship repair and maintenance operations.

These include:

• A 13,500-tonne lift-capacity floating dry dock.

• A 200-metre jetty.

• Approximately 30,000 square metres of reclaimed land.

• Modern mechanical workshops for steel and pipe fabrication.

• Electrical repair facilities.

• Blasting and painting infrastructure.

• Offices, warehouses and equipment maintenance facilities.

The project will also involve dredging works within the port basin to accommodate the infrastructure.

The first phase is expected to be completed within 18 months, according to reporting on the ceremony.

International financing and UK-Ghana partnership

Project Shiprite has attracted a consortium of Ghanaian and international investors and financial institutions.

The financing structure includes equity participation from Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), alongside debt financing led by the African Export-Import Bank.

Other participating financial institutions include the African Development Bank, the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, Petra Pension Schemes and the Origen Private Debt Fund.

The project was highlighted as a flagship maritime investment under the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership signed in June 2026.

The partnership is intended to mobilise investment, promote economic growth and strengthen commercial cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom.

A US$300,000 grant from PIDG’s Technical Assistance facility will also support a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme aimed at increasing women’s participation in the shipyard’s technical workforce through training, certification and workplace integration.

Takoradi Port poised for a new era

The sod-cutting ceremony represents a significant step in the transformation of Takoradi Port from a traditional cargo-handling facility into a broader maritime services and industrial centre.

With the addition of ship repair and dry-docking capabilities, the port could attract more vessel operators, shipping companies and maritime service providers seeking cost-effective solutions within the Gulf of Guinea.

The development is also expected to reduce the time and cost associated with long-distance ship repairs, potentially retaining more foreign exchange within Ghana and the African region.

For Sekondi-Takoradi, the project could have wider implications for commercial activity, infrastructure development, employment and technical education.

However, the long-term impact will depend on the timely completion of construction, effective management of the facility and the ability to attract a consistent flow of international vessels.

If successfully delivered, Project Shiprite could establish Takoradi as a major regional destination for ship repair and maintenance, strengthening Ghana’s position in the maritime industry.

The commencement of construction therefore represents not only an investment in port infrastructure but also a strategic opportunity for Ghana to expand its participation in the global maritime economy.