US$98m BERTH-19 project to expand Takoradi Port’s bulk cargo capacity
The capacity of Takoradi Port to handle mineral exports and imported dry bulk products is expected to increase significantly following the commencement of the US$98 million BERTH-19 expansion project.
The 26-month project is intended to address capacity constraints at the existing dry bulk terminal and accommodate growing volumes of mineral ores and industrial raw materials moving through the port.
President John Dramani Mahama performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Tuesday, explaining that the expansion had become necessary as Takoradi Port continued to handle increasing volumes of imports and exports.
He noted that the port had evolved considerably from its original colonial-era purpose of exporting raw materials such as timber, cocoa, bauxite and manganese to processing destinations elsewhere.
Today, he said, Takoradi had developed into an important import and export facility, with specialised terminals supporting container operations, oil and gas services and dry bulk cargo handling.
The President said the existing dry bulk terminal was, however, facing capacity limitations, necessitating the construction of BERTH-19.
“The dry bulk terminal has been constrained. And so there has been the need to expand the dry bulk terminal so that we can handle more of the ores that are being exported and also handle more of the dry bulk products that are coming in,” he said.
He explained that the terminal handled mineral ores for export as well as imported clinker used by cement factories operating in the area, making its expansion important to both the mining and manufacturing sectors.
President Mahama also highlighted the dredging works undertaken at Takoradi Port, which have increased its depth to 16 metres, allowing larger vessels to access the facility.
He said the improvements had positioned the port to handle bigger ships and accommodate growing maritime traffic.
The BERTH-19 project forms part of wider investments in port infrastructure, including developments at Tema Port and the proposed Western Railway Line, which are expected to improve the movement of goods across the country.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the construction would be completed within the scheduled 26 months.
He said Government would return to Takoradi to commission the expanded facility once the project was completed.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
