Meta Port, Ho Airport on track as Transport Minister unveils timelines, private investor talks

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has declared the Keta Port and Ho Airport projects firmly on course, revealing concrete timelines, regulatory clearances, and active private-sector negotiations during President John Dramani Mahama’s Citizens’ Engagement in Ho on Friday.

Keta Port: Environmental Permit Secured, Admin Block 80% Complete

Mr. Nikpe announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted the port’s environmental permit in April 2026, following a viability study that confirmed its suitability for West African maritime trade. Construction of the administrative and operational block is now 80% complete, with full port operations targeted for January 2027. The government is courting private investors under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the Minister citing President Mahama’s successful Tema Port expansion as proof of his ability to attract strategic maritime partners. Planned facilities include container and cargo terminals, a shipyard for repairs, and new road links to the national highway network.

Ho Airport: Power Restored, Aviation Academy and MRO Centre in Pipeline

After years of neglect, the Ho Airport is being revived with a transformer installed to restore electricity, Mr. Nikpe said. President Mahama has directed its transformation into a multi-purpose hub, featuring an Aviation Academy to train pilots, engineers, and technicians; aircraft hangars and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre for regional aircraft servicing; and an air taxi service for charter flights across Ghana and neighbouring states. A strategic private investor from the Volta Region is already in advanced talks with Ghana Airports Company Limited to co-establish the academy.

Volta Lake Safety: First-Ever Transport Office and Rescue Vessel Deployed

On inland waterways, the Minister announced the opening of the first-ever Volta Lake Transport Safety Office at Kpando Torkor, staffed by locally recruited personnel. A dedicated search-and-rescue vessel is now stationed there to respond to emergencies, heeding President Mahama’s directive to reduce accidents on the lake.

DVLA Expands: New Office at Vakpo, Hohoe Facility to Follow

Residents gained immediate relief as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) opened a new office at Vakpo in the Kpando Municipality, bringing registration and licensing services closer. Construction of a modern DVLA facility at Hohoe is also set to begin soon to serve the northern part of the region.

Mr. Nikpe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in transport infrastructure for trade, job creation, and mobility, while stressing that private-sector collaboration remains central to delivering these projects on time. With environmental clearance secured, construction advancing, and investor discussions underway, the administration is moving decisively to transform the Volta Region into a major transport and tourism hub.