By Justina Hilda Paaga
Takoradi, Nov. 11, GNA – Mr Kwabena Ayirebi, the Director of Banking, Operations at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has underscored the need for African businesses to build partnerships to enhance the growth and development of the continent. Â
He said it was equally imperative for them to mobilise more of their own capital to finance and transform their businesses.
Mr Ayirebi said this at the inspection of the Project Shiprite, to mark the start of construction of the 137-million-dollar integrated ship repair, maintenance and dry-docking facility at the Takoradi Port.
The project, which is being executed by Prime Meridian Docks, is under a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
The facility, when completed, would provide modern commercial ship repair and dry-docking capacity in the Gulf of Guinea.
It is also expected to support up to 430 direct jobs and create opportunities for skills development for local businesses and suppliers.
The project is also expected to support Ghana’s ambition to become a regional maritime service hub.
Mr Ayirebi stressed the need for African businesses to build partnerships because the challenges before them were too large for any one institution to handle.
He commended the financial partners of the Project Shiprite, noting that the future of Africa would not be built by waiting for donors to finance it, but would be built by Africans if they mobilised their own resources and finances, as well as set their priorities right.
He said the Project Shiprite was not just a celebration of Ghana’s maritime future, but of African integration, capital combination and expertise sharing.
Dr Christian Rogg, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, said the project was a powerful expression of partnership shared ambition to unlock investment and enhance growth.
He said Project Shiprite was highlighted as a flagship maritime investment at the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership in June 2026.
Dr Rogg said the UK government was committed to providing the needed expertise to ensure the completion of the project.
Mr Joseph Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, said the government was committed to transforming the coastline, adding that very soon the Takoradi Port would no longer be seen as a port of transit for raw materials and cargo, but as a full-time service maritime ecosystem.
He commended the funding partners of the project, stressing that the project was about people and was expected to create hundreds of direct skilled jobs in marine engineering, welding, naval architecture and logistics.
He said it would also create thousands of indirect job opportunities for local businesses in Ghana and West Africa.
Mr Stanley R. K. Ahorlu, the Chief Executive Officer of Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, said the project would be delivered in three phases, with only phase one now starting.
He said the company was convinced that upon full completion, the project would boost intra-regional trade, create sustainable long-term value for stakeholders and position Ghana as the maritime transport hub for West Africa.
Mr Ahorlu said Project Shiprite would help build a maritime ecosystem of marine insurers, bankers, surveyors, engineers, technicians, lawyers, sailors and suppliers of parts and stores.
He said Project Shiprite would also benefit from a 300,000-dollar grant from the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) Technical Assistance facility for a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme.
The programme would support greater participation of women in the facility’s technical workforce through skills development, professional certification, practical industry exposure and gender-responsive workplace integration.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah