On October 17, 2024, McDan Group and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tema, aiming to fortify national capabilities in marine transport and logistics. This partnership marks a pivotal development in improving Ghana’s maritime infrastructure, an essential component for economic expansion and efficiency in goods transport. Established in 1986, GPHA oversees the planning, development, and regulation of ports throughout Ghana. Meanwhile, McDan Group stands out as a prominent Ghanaian conglomerate, with vast operational scope covering shipping, freight forwarding, customs clearance, cargo and port handling, transportation and haulage, real estate, agriculture, salt mining, and more.
A notable aspect of this collaboration is McDan’s recent acquisition of a 30-year renewable lease for the Ghana Highway Authority’s ferry maintenance and operations terminal site located in Ada. Plans are underway to establish the “ElectroChem Terminal, Port of Ada,” a project designed to streamline bulk natural and processed salt management and exporting, addressing regional and global salt demand. The terminal aims to enhance cargo services, delivering a reduction in operational costs while boosting socio-economic activities, particularly in the salt business sector. The infrastructure planned for the ElectroChem Terminal will include vital facilities necessary for effective bulk salt handling and processing, ultimately facilitating better access to international markets for Ghana’s salt exports.
Dr. Daniel McKorley, the Executive Chairman of McDan Group, underscored the significance of the MoU, highlighting that it reinforces the company’s commitment to developing Ghana’s marine sector. He emphasized the dual benefit of investing in both infrastructure and human capital—not only leading to enhanced logistics but also fostering economic growth within local communities. Crucial aspects of this project encompass conducting feasibility studies aimed at assessing its technical, economic, and environmental viability. Additionally, plans include the development of navigation channels and appropriate terminal facilities, alongside the construction of quay walls and storage facilities that will significantly improve the existing transport infrastructure.
In tandem with these initiatives, McDan Group is committed to revamping the road network connecting Ada to major highways, ensuring efficient transport of salt products to and from the new terminal. The partnership also involves establishing a Joint Project Development Team responsible for steering technical meetings and stakeholder engagement, while executing various service agreements aimed at ensuring successful execution of the project. Through close collaboration, both McDan Group and GPHA aspire to create a robust framework for implementing not only this project but also future initiatives that would enhance maritime and logistical operations in Ghana.
Highlighting the significance of this venture, ElectroChem currently holds the largest salt mining concession in Africa, with an annual production of 650,000 tonnes and a potential capacity exceeding 2 million tonnes. The development of the Ada port is anticipated to drastically curb Ghana’s dependency on salt imports, transforming the nation into a leading exporter of salt. This undertaking is expected to foster job creation, bolster local economies, and contribute to sustainable regional growth. As additional progress is made, McDan Group envisions building an advanced facility equipped with warehouses, maintenance docks, and residential amenities that will further contribute to the comprehensive development of the Ada community.
Ultimately, this agreement between McDan Group and GPHA signifies a concrete step toward revitalizing Ghana’s maritime capabilities, enhancing its position in the global salt market, and strengthening local economic resilience. By strategically investing in infrastructure projects like the ElectroChem Terminal, both entities aim to create a lasting impact on the maritime logistics sector while simultaneously elevating the socio-economic landscape of the Ada region and beyond. The collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach designed to leverage Ghana’s natural resources and logistical potentials in an increasingly competitive global environment.
