The Port of Keta moves a step closer to construction as it embarks on a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment, which will begin with active stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Alexander Adusei, the director overseeing the Keta Port Project, recently led a delegation from Coastal and Reclamation Engineering Services Ghana Limited, the firm appointed for the assessment, to the project location. Over the next six months, this consulting team will engage with stakeholders in the Volta Region, discussing both the potential benefits and drawbacks of the port development.
Earlier, Dr. Adusei spearheaded a visit by senior executives from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the consultants to meet with the Dufia of Kedzi, Togbi Joachim Acolatse I. This visit aimed to introduce the assessment team to the local community.
Emphasising the significance of the impact assessment, Dr. Adusei noted that it’s a crucial phase in securing a trustworthy investor for the project. He explained that potential investors rely on these reports to make informed decisions. To expedite the process, GPHA is simultaneously exploring potential investors while conducting the assessment. Currently, about 24 companies have shown interest, with six being shortlisted. However, Dr. Adusei affirmed that the opportunity remains for other interested parties to apply and they’ll undergo the same rigorous review process.
Highlighting the importance of the assessment’s scope, Mr. Mathew Baker, the technical manager of Coastal and Reclamation Engineering Services Ghana Limited, said that stakeholder engagement is vital. The team aims to gather insights from the community, understanding their views, concerns, and hopes for the project, ensuring these insights shape the impact assessment.
Expressing his support for the initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Gemegah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Keta, committed to assisting the consulting team in their assessment process. He emphasized the need for the community to share their livelihood details and opinions about the project to guarantee the collection of accurate and useful data.
SOURCE: Myjoyonline
