Revamped Tema Shipyard now fully operational — Transport Minister

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport Minister has disclosed that the Tema Shipyard has been revamped, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama and it is now fully operational as a strategic national facility.

He said the Shipyard which was built by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah to repair, maintain, and overhaul ships, had been rendered non-operational for many years.

Mr Nikpe made the disclosure when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra.

He said the Tema Shipyard had redesigned and reconstructed the first dock's main pump, to improve docking time, reactivated second dock as well as rehabilitate its offices for full operation.

The Transport Minister said these efforts had led to some job creation, with the Tema Shipyard introducing a three-shift system in line with the 24-Hour Economy Policy.

Mr Nikpe said with regards to the aviation sector, the Prempeh Agyemang I International Airport runway which currently measured 1,981 meters in length, was being extended to 2,320 meters to accommodate medium-sized aircraft and facilitate international flight operations.

“The project is 90 per cent complete and is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” he said.

He said additionally, night operations had been extended at the Prempeh Agyemang I International Airport from 20 to 23 hours and at the Tamale International Airport from 18 to 22 hours, supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy and enhancing passenger convenience.

GNA