{"id":4938,"date":"2026-11-10T21:31:33","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T21:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aptnewsghana.com\/?p=4938"},"modified":"2026-11-10T21:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T21:31:33","slug":"mahama-takoradi-port-137m-ship-repair-facility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aptnewsghana.com\/index.php\/2026\/11\/10\/mahama-takoradi-port-137m-ship-repair-facility\/","title":{"rendered":"Mahama Breaks Ground for $137m Ship Repair Facility at Takoradi Port; 450 Jobs Expected"},"content":{"rendered":"
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President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of a US$137 million integrated ship repair and maintenance facility at the Takoradi Port, marking a major milestone in Ghana\u2019s ambition to become a leading maritime services hub in West Africa.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The project, known as Project Shiprite, is expected to transform the operations of the Western Region\u2019s major seaport by introducing modern ship repair and dry-docking infrastructure capable of serving commercial vessels operating across the Gulf of Guinea.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Project Shiprite: A major boost for Ghana’s maritime industry<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Mahama expresses confidence in private-sector investment<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

He welcomed the project as an important intervention that would fill the gap and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.<\/p>\n

The investment also reflects the government’s broader interest in mobilising private capital to support strategic infrastructure development and economic expansion.<\/p>\n

450 jobs and new economic opportunities for the Western Region<\/h2>\n
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One of the most significant expected benefits of Project Shiprite is employment creation. Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Ahorlu, indicated that the facility is expected to generate more than 450 jobs in its first phase. Earlier project disclosures have projected up to 430 direct jobs, reflecting the employment potential of the investment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What the $137 million investment will deliver<\/h2>\n

Project Shiprite is expected to feature several critical infrastructure components designed to support modern ship repair and maintenance operations.<\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n