The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has received praise from the Keta Investment Promotion Centre (KIPC) for its approach to environmental protection and sustainable development, which included starting Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies for the development of the Keta Port.
According to a statement made by Enyonam Adzo Apetorgbor, Chief Executive Officer of KIPC, GPHA’s commitment to assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of the port construction is in line with international best practices and demonstrates a sincere concern for the well-being of local communities and ecosystems.
“ESIA studies are a critical step in ensuring that large-scale development projects, such as the Keta Port, are carried out with due consideration for environmental conservation, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability,” according to the statement.
“We believe that the Keta Port, once completed, will not only contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development, but will also adhere to high environmental and social standards,” the CEO stated.
She also emphasised that the ESIA studies on Keta Port are consistent with the global commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while encouraging GPHA to maintain transparency and engage with local communities, stakeholders, and environmental experts throughout the ESIA process.
“Open dialogue and collaboration will help ensure that all parties’ concerns and insights are taken into account, resulting in better-informed decisions and a more sustainable future,” Enyonam Apetorgbor said.
“The Keta Port project is a strategic infrastructure development, and the decision to conduct ESIA studies demonstrates a commendable dedication to responsible and inclusive growth.” The KIPC statement added, “We look forward to the results of these studies and the continued progress of this vital infrastructure.”