Transport Minister: Keta Port and Ho Airport projects making steady progress
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured residents of the Volta Region that the government is advancing plans to develop the Keta Port and revive the Ho Airport as part of efforts to transform the region into a key centre for transport, logistics and tourism.
Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s Citizens’ Engagement in Ho on Friday, July 17, Mr Nikpe said the government had completed the necessary preliminary processes for the Keta Port project.
He explained that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was subsequently tasked with conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, which confirmed the project’s environmental viability.
According to the Minister, the EPA granted the project an environmental permit in April 2026, paving the way for the proposed port to support maritime trade along the West African coastline.
Mr Nikpe disclosed that construction of the port’s administrative and operational complex is about 80 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by January 2027, after which full port operations can commence.
He added that discussions are ongoing with private investors to finance and construct the port through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The Minister expressed confidence that President Mahama’s experience in attracting strategic investment into Ghana’s maritime sector would help ensure the project’s success, citing the expansion of the Tema Port as an example of the President’s track record.
He said the Keta Port would feature modern container and cargo terminals, a shipyard for vessel maintenance and repairs, and an integrated road network to improve the movement of goods and passengers.
On aviation, Mr Nikpe said the government has begun efforts to restore operations at the Ho Airport, which he said had suffered years of neglect due to inadequate maintenance.
He noted that electricity has already been restored to the facility through the installation of a new transformer with support from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.
According to the Minister, President Mahama has directed that the airport be transformed into a multi-purpose aviation hub capable of supporting economic activity throughout the year.
He announced plans to establish an Aviation Academy at the airport to train pilots, aircraft engineers, aviation technicians and other aviation professionals.
Mr Nikpe said the government is engaging a strategic private investor from the Volta Region to partner the Ghana Airports Company Limited in setting up the training institution.
He further revealed that the airport would include aircraft hangars for private and business jets, as well as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre to service aircraft operating in Ghana and across the West African sub-region.
The Minister also disclosed that the government is considering introducing an air taxi service from Ho Airport to provide charter flight services for individuals and businesses.
On inland water transport, Mr Nikpe said the government has intensified measures to improve safety on the Volta Lake following a directive from President Mahama to reduce accidents.
He announced the establishment of the Volta Lake Transport Safety Office at Kpando Torkor, staffed by trained personnel responsible for monitoring vessel operations and enforcing safety regulations.
A dedicated search-and-rescue vessel has also been deployed to Kpando Torkor to improve emergency response on the lake.
Mr Nikpe highlighted additional improvements in transport services across the region, including the opening of a new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office at Vakpo in the Kpando Municipality to make licensing and vehicle registration services more accessible.
He added that construction of a modern DVLA office in Hohoe will begin soon to enhance service delivery in the northern part of the region.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in transport infrastructure to improve mobility, facilitate trade, create jobs and encourage greater private sector participation in Ghana’s transport industry.
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