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17.11.2008 Business & Finance

Takoradi Port to be expanded

17.11.2008 LISTEN
By The Statesman

NPP flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has pledged his government's preparedness to rehabilitate the Takoradi Port to enable it not only play a leading role in the nation"s socio-economic transformation but also become one of the best in Africa.

He said the nation's premier port which could now boast of a number of facilities including warehouses under President Kufuor's administration would be given a major face-lift when he takes over the affairs of the country next year.

He spoke of plans which are already in the pipeline to expand the port which was constructed by the British in the 1920's.

According to the NPP flagbearer, there is the possibility of port users scrambling for space and the limited facilities at the c following the discovery of oil at the west of Cape Three Points, and an Akufo-Addo-led government would put in place swift measures to salvage the situation.

Addressing workers and management of the Takoradi Port last Friday at their 2006-2007 Best Worker Awards ceremony held at the GHAPOHA senior club house as part of activities marking his final campaign tour of the Western Region, Nana Akufo-Addo entreated the workers to vote massively for the NPP to enable him implement his vision for the port.

He noted that the quantum of work to be undertaken at the port could only be carried out by a dynamic and visionary leader and therefore called on the workers and all Ghanaians to give him their mandate for the realisation of this vision.

The NPP flagbearer said after the seven and half years solid foundation laid by the Kufuor-led administration, Ghana is now on the brink of major transformation to usher her into a higher social and economic pedestal.

 His concern however was the election of the right caliber of leadership to lead this transformation, especially with the oil discovery.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who also re-affirmed his plans of transforming the nation from an agrarian economy into an industrialised and value-added one, said this could only be achieved when Ghanaians are disciplined, dedicated and zealous to move the nation forward.

The Director of the Takoradi Port, Nestor Percy Ghalley, had earlier on said the port needed urgent expansion, new equipment, training of the staff and above all improvement in the workers' service conditions.

He however said in spite of all these challenges, the Takoradi Port is "not doing badly at all;' traffic had been growing steadily in the last few years.

Mr. Ghalley also noted that apart from playing its traditional role as a major export point, the port is also offering import services to its numerous customers the world over thanks to dedication and hard work on the part of the workers, management and all stakeholders.

In all, fifty-two workers were honoured. With the exception of the two overall best workers, each of the remaining fifty award winners took home a certificate and a 20 inch colour television.

Joseph Addo Bediako of the Electrical Department and Emma Ewumewu, a nurse at the GHAPOHA clinic, were adjudged the overall best workers for the years 2006 and 2007 respectively.

They each received a certificate and a double door refrigerator.

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