Ghana's Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has confirmed significant progress on the Keta Port and Ho Airport projects in the Volta Region. The Keta Port project has secured its environmental permit, and its administrative block is 80% complete, with full operations expected by January 2027. The Ho Airport, after years of neglect, is being revitalised to become a multi-purpose aviation hub, including an aviation academy and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Centre.
These infrastructure developments are central to the government's strategy to transform the Volta Region into a key transport, logistics, and tourism hub. The Keta Port, once operational, will feature modern container and cargo terminals, a shipyard, and improved road infrastructure to facilitate trade along the West African coast. The Ho Airport's transformation aims to generate year-round economic activity by training aviation professionals and servicing aircraft in the sub-region.
This push for regional infrastructure development aligns with Ghana's broader economic agenda to diversify growth poles beyond traditional urban centers. Investing in transport networks and logistics hubs is crucial for enhancing trade efficiency and attracting foreign direct investment. The government's focus on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for these projects reflects a strategy to leverage private capital and expertise in large-scale infrastructure financing, a trend seen in other major Ghanaian projects.
Minister Nikpe, speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s Citizens’ Engagement in Ho, stated, “I am pleased to announce that in April this year, the EPA granted the environmental permit for the project after confirming that the proposed Keta Port is environmentally viable.” He also highlighted ongoing discussions with private investors for the Keta Port, citing President Mahama’s track record in attracting strategic investors to the maritime sector, as demonstrated by the Tema Port transformation.
The completion of the Keta Port's administrative and operational block by January 2027 will mark a critical milestone, paving the way for full port operations. For the Ho Airport, the engagement of a strategic private investor from the Volta Region to partner with the Ghana Airports Company Limited for the aviation academy is a key step. These developments are expected to significantly boost local economies, create jobs, and improve connectivity, with decision-makers and markets closely watching the execution timelines and private sector involvement.
Beyond the Keta Port and Ho Airport, the government is also intensifying efforts to improve safety on the Volta Lake. A new Volta Lake Transport Safety Office has been established at Kpando Torkor, staffed by trained personnel to monitor vessel operations and enforce safety regulations. A dedicated search-and-rescue vessel has also been stationed there to respond to emergencies promptly.
Further enhancing regional transport services, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has expanded its operations. A new office has opened at Vakpo in the Kpando Municipality, bringing vehicle registration and licensing services closer to residents. Construction of a modern DVLA office at Hohoe is also set to commence soon, aiming to improve service delivery in the northern sector of the region. These comprehensive transport infrastructure investments underscore the government's commitment to improving mobility, facilitating trade, and creating employment opportunities across Ghana.