BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Ghana is positioning itself to become a major hub for ship repair and maintenance in West Africa, with a US$137 million maritime infrastructure project at the Port of Takoradi set to move into the construction phase on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The project, known as ‘Project Shiprite’, is expected to introduce modern dry-docking and commercial vessel repair facilities at the port, potentially transforming Takoradi from a cargo-handling destination into a regional centre for specialised maritime services.
The development is being undertaken by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited (PMD) under a 25-year concession granted by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). When completed and fully operational, the facility is projected to create up to 430 direct jobs, while opening up additional business opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, engineers and technical professionals.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the ceremony in Takoradi to mark the project’s financial closure and the commencement of construction. The event is also expected to attract the Minister of Transport, GPHA officials, investors, financiers and other international project partners.
Ghana Seeks to End Dependence on Distant Shipyards
The investment addresses a major gap in the maritime services market along the Gulf of Guinea. Vessels operating along the West African coast that require specialised repairs and dry-docking services often have to travel to shipyards located in other parts of Africa.
Such diversions can increase operating costs, fuel consumption and the time ships spend away from their commercial routes.
Project Shiprite is expected to bring these services closer to vessels operating in the region, offering shipping companies an alternative destination for maintenance and repairs while potentially reducing travel time and associated emissions.
The Director-General of the GPHA, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, said the project aligned with the authority’s ambition to open up Ghana’s maritime market to ship repair and maintenance businesses.
He expressed confidence that the investment would strengthen Takoradi’s position as a destination for specialised maritime services and expand the range of activities undertaken at the port.
25-Year Concession and International Investment
Project Shiprite is being developed by PMD Ghana Limited through a 25-year concession arrangement with the GPHA.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Ahorlu, said reaching financial close was the outcome of years of work involving the company and its partners.
He explained that the immediate focus would be to deliver a dependable ship repair facility, develop local technical expertise and ensure Ghanaian businesses benefit from the investment.
The project is supported by a combination of Ghanaian institutional capital, development finance and international investment, reflecting a partnership between local and foreign investors to deliver specialised maritime infrastructure.
The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), through its InfraCo arm, is among the international partners supporting the development.
PIDG’s Chief Investment and Project Development Officer, Gilles Vaes, said the facility was expected to generate economic benefits for Ghana and neighbouring countries while reducing the time and emissions associated with vessels travelling long distances to obtain repair services.
UK-Ghana Partnership Behind Maritime Investment
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, described Project Shiprite as a practical example of the investment ambitions underpinning the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership.
He said the project demonstrated the shared commitment of both countries to attracting investment and supporting economic growth.
“When we launched the Growth Partnership in London, we set out a shared ambition to unlock investment and grow together. Shiprite is a powerful expression of that ambition and of the confidence we share in Ghana’s economic future,” he said.
The project was highlighted as a flagship maritime investment when Ghana and the United Kingdom signed the Growth Partnership in June 2026.
The partnership is expected to support investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation in areas capable of generating economic activity and employment.
