Port of Keta draws interest from 42 investors after EPA approval

The proposed Port of Keta has attracted interest from 42 local and international companies as Ghana advances the project from the planning stage into investor engagement following environmental clearance.

The Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Major General Paul Seidu-Tenye Kulono, disclosed that the strong response follows the issuance of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which removes a key regulatory barrier for the project.

He presented the EPA certificate to the Overlord of Anlo State, Togbui Sri III, noting that investor interest has been higher than anticipated, although strict evaluation processes will be applied before partners are selected.

According to him, “We have received as many as 42 companies that have expressed interest to come and develop the port.”

He stressed that interest alone would not determine selection, adding that many prospective investors may withdraw once they assess the full scope of the project, while only credible and capable firms will be retained.

Over the next three months, GPHA is expected to review proposals and shortlist four preferred bidders, followed by detailed financial, technical, and governance due diligence before final selection.

Major General Kulono also announced progress on related infrastructure, indicating that the project headquarters under construction is expected to be completed and operational by January 2027, following revisions to the original plan.

He further projected that the project would stimulate broad economic activity in the area, especially during the construction phase, with increased demand for trades such as masonry, carpentry, and other services.

The Port of Keta is expected to serve as a key trade gateway supporting landlocked countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger through connections with the Eastern Corridor road network and planned rail infrastructure.

He added that environmental safeguards recommended by the EPA, including controlled dredging and other mitigation measures, will be strictly implemented to minimise ecological impact.