Ghana announces tenders for Eastern Railway and Boankara Port project
The Government of Ghana has re-emphasised the need to involve the private sector in the development of public infrastructure by promoting a robust PPP agenda.
Through the Ministry of Railways Development and the Ghana Railway Development Authority, the Government intends to pursue a PPP arrangement for the development of the Eastern Railway Line from Accra to Kumasi and a branch line from Achimota to Tema on a Build Operate Transfer basis.
Eastern Railway Line
The concept is to develop the Eastern Railway Line from Tema Port / Accra to Kumasi, to modern standards in order to provide an alternative, faster, safer and more efficient mode of transportation for freight and passenger services.
The implementation of the Eastern Railway Line Project will include the financing, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the 330km line as well as the provision of rolling stock, station upgrades, signalling and communication equipment.
It is expected that the Eastern Railway Line Project when implemented would:
- Provide an efficient and safer alternative to the road network, which is already congested;
- Enhance Ghana’s role as a transit corridor to landlocked neighbouring countries;
- Enhance socio-economic and commercial development in the Ashanti Region and the Eastern Corridor; and;
- Improve services to customers and reduce the cost of transport especially in trade to and from the hinterland and the Northern regions of Ghana.
The Government is now inviting prospective bidders to express their interest for the development of this PPP Project. The Expression of Interest should demonstrate the following:
- The financial strength/capacity of the prospective bidder;
- The prospective bidder’s technical experience/capacity in carrying out the above project on a BoT basis; and
- Past experience of similar project.
Bidders may form consortiums with other firms to enhance their qualification and must include significant level of Ghanaian participation.
Boankra Inland Port Project
Through the Ministry of Transport, the Government intends to pursue a PPP arrangement for the development of the Boankra Inland Port Project on a Build Operate Transfer basis.
The concept of this project is to develop the Inland Port to attract private businesses as well as serve as an Industrial/Commercial Estate to the maritime business community. The Inland Port currently is not operational but has been partially developed with an administration block, access roads and utility connections. Other plans for the further development of the Inland Port will include an Inland Container Depot, port administration, shippers and freight forwarders offices, warehouses and commercial buildings. The Inland Port will also require the development of customs coordination protocols, customs clearance procedures and controls.
It is expected that the Boankra Inland Port Project when implemented would:
- Enhance Ghana’s role as a transit corridor to landlocked neighbouring countries;
- Enhance socio-economic and commercial development in the Ashanti Region and the Eastern Corridor; and
- Improve services to customers and reduce the cost of transport especially in trade to and from the hinterland and the Northern regions of Ghana. GoG through the MoT is inviting prospective bidders (“firms”) to express their interest for the development of this PPP Project. The expression of interest should demonstrate the following:
- The financial strength/capacity of the prospective bidder; and
- The prospective bidder’s technical experience/capacity in carrying out the above project on a BoT basis. Bidders may form consortiums with other firms to enhance their qualification and must include some level of Ghanaian participation.
