Located approximately 30 kilometers from Ghana’s capital city of Accra, Tema is home to around 70 per cent of Ghana’s major container and port handling traffic. In 2015, an agreement was signed between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the port operator, Meridian Port Services, for the development of a new harbour and container terminal, alongside the existing facility, to ensure Tema Port could accept the largest container vessels operating on global trade routes.
AECOM was appointed in June 2016 as the project management consultant for the works. The project was delivered in three stages with AECOM’s appointment being extended several times.
The project ended in August 2021 after the completion of the infrastructure works for berth 4. The port can now accommodate vessels with a capacity of 22,000 TEUs, increasing from 5,000 TEUs of the original port.
This 127-hectare development is providing substantial economic benefits for Ghana via:
• enhanced trade opportunities
• increased revenues to the state through taxes, levies and fees
• job creation (during construction and operation)
• positioning the country as a major shipping/transhipment hub in West Africa.
Over 4,000 staff worked on this project, of which over 90 per cent were Ghanaians. Having been exposed to international construction standards and HSE systems, this project will leave a legacy. The team returning to the Ghanaian labour market have gained skills that allow them to contribute to the long-term growth of the economy.
AECOM has long championed the development of young, local talent; 15 interns and 40 young engineers were employed during construction of Tema Port. The interns shadowed quality control inspections and seasoned engineers. With this advanced skill base, long-term exposure to international construction standards and on-the-job experience, the interns are well-positioned for enhanced employment opportunities.