The Transport Minister and Member of Parliament for Saboba, Honourable Joseph Nikpe Bukari has disclosed that government is committed to restoring key transport facilities in the Volta Region to support economic growth and improve movement within the area. He said projects including the Ho Airport and Volta Lake Transport Company were receiving renewed attention to make transportation safer and more effective for residents.
Honourable Bukari explained that the development of the Ho Airport is part of a vision to promote tourism, strengthen business activities and create employment opportunities across the region. According to him, the facility was established to open the Volta Region to international opportunities through improved aviation services.
The Transport Minister noted that the airport experienced challenges after years of limited intervention which affected some of its facilities. He added that support from the Volta Regional Minister in securing a transformer has helped restore reliable power supply to the airport.
Furthermore, Honourable Bukari revealed that plans are underway to transform the Ho Airport into an Aviation Academy for training pilots, engineers, technicians and other professionals within the aviation sector. He explained that the move would position the facility as a centre for developing skilled personnel while creating new opportunities for young people.
“Ho Airport is not only about flying passengers. It is about creating jobs, training our young people and opening the Volta Region to the rest of the world.”
Honourable Joseph Nikpe Bukari
Additionally, the Transport Minister said arrangements have been made to establish aircraft hangars at the airport to allow private aircraft owners to access parking services. He stated that the facility was also being positioned as a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre to provide technical services for aircraft operating within the region and neighbouring countries.
Discussing the Volta Lake Transport Company, Honourable Bukari said government has prioritised safety measures for communities that depend on the lake for daily movement. He explained that the opening of a safety office at Dambai Torkor marks a significant step towards improving monitoring and emergency response systems.
According to him, personnel recruited from the region have been trained and deployed to support boat users and ferry operations, including the Agordeke ferry service. He added that a search and rescue vessel is also being introduced to respond to emergencies along the lake transport routes.
New Maritime Plans Target Trade Growth And Regional Development
The Transport Minister and Member of Parliament for Saboba announced that government is advancing plans to develop the Keta Port as a major maritime facility to support trade and economic activities in the Volta Region. He said the project forms part of efforts to expand Ghana’s position within international shipping networks and create new opportunities for businesses.
Honourable Bukari explained that Ghana’s coastal location provides a strategic advantage within the maritime industry because a significant volume of global trade depends on shipping activities. According to him, the decision to establish a third major civilian port in Keta was driven by the need to utilise the region’s potential and strengthen the country’s logistics sector.
The Transport Minister stated that the Keta Port project has already gone through important stages, including site acquisition, feasibility studies and the issuance of an executive instrument to support its development. He added that activities around the project slowed during the previous administration, leading to limited progress until new directives were issued to continue the work.
Addressing the progress of the initiative, Honourable Bukari disclosed that the Environmental Protection Agency had granted approval for the project after an assessment of its viability. He said the approval provided the foundation for further development of the port and its integration into Ghana’s maritime plans.
“The Keta Port will serve the people of the Volta Region because of the vast volumes of trade within international cycles and at the local level.”
Honourable Joseph Nikpe Bukari
Furthermore, the Transport Minister revealed that construction work on an office and operational block within the Keta Port area was ongoing and had reached significant completion. He explained that the facility was expected to be completed soon to support the initial activities required for the project.
In addition, Honourable Bukari said government is opening opportunities for private sector participation in the construction and management of the port. He referenced the development of Tema Port through Meridian Port Services, noting that the partnership had contributed to improving Ghana’s position within the regional shipping industry.
According to him, President John Mahama has directed the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to identify credible investors who could partner government in completing the Keta Port project. He stated that such collaboration would be important in ensuring the successful operation of the facility.
The Transport Minister outlined that the planned port would include terminals for handling containers and cargo brought by shipping companies. He added that a shipyard would also be established to provide repair services for vessels using the port.
Moreover, Honourable Bukari said attention is being given to road infrastructure around the project because effective transportation links were necessary for the movement of goods and people. He explained that roads leading to the port, within the facility and connecting surrounding areas would support smooth operations when the project becomes fully functional.
The MP reiterated that the Keta Port would contribute to reducing pressure on existing transport networks while creating opportunities for businesses in the region. He encouraged stakeholders to support initiatives that would strengthen maritime development and improve Ghana’s economic competitiveness.
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