GPHA to build cruise terminal at Tema Port

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) plans to set up a cruise terminal at the Tema Port as it seeks to tap the huge potential of the cruise-ship business as well as resolve the transportation challenges facing traders within the West-African sub-region.

Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the Port of Tema, Paul Asare Ansah, in an interaction with the media in Tema noted that the prospects of such a project are bright and that some private companies have already shown keen interest in investing into the project .

He said the setting-up of the terminal is also part of the Authority’s determination to support the tourism industry, as the port sometimes receives about 500 visitors per day, and that the project will start with the Accra-Lagos service.

“Management is currently positioning itself to respond to demands of the growing economy, a factor that has culminated in the desire to put in place all these structures and also to consolidate the Authority’s position as the trade and logistics hub in the sub-region.

“We had received16 bids as at the close of the deadline requesting for expression of interest from potential investors for development of the cruise terminal as well as a ro-ro terminal. This number will be whittled down and only eligible and credible companies will be shortlisted. In four years to come, we should expect to see this cruise terminal constructed and well-positioned,” he said.

GPHA is currently on a massive expansion programme to open up the country’s two ports to the recent increase in demand. Mr. Ansah disclosed the current stage of the project: “The ongoing port expansion project is on course, the bulk terminal we are developing is about 80 percent complete.

“We have also increased capacity from a two-berthing facility to four, and that is in response to the growing estate development industry and a commitment of port management to position itself to respond to the growing economy’s demands’’ he said.