GHANA TRANSPORTATION: SAFE SKIES AND FRIENDLY PORTS

UNCLAS ACCRA 000509

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/W AND AF/PD

E.O. 12958
TAGS: PGOV ECON PREL SNAR EPET DOT GH
SUBJECT: GHANA TRANSPORTATION: SAFE SKIES AND FRIENDLY PORTS


1. SUMMARY: On April 11, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas
Barrett, accompanied by Charge d'Affaires Sue K. Brown, officials
from the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Trade and
Development Agency, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, met
with Ghanaian counterparts to discuss air safety and maritime port
issues. The USG and GOG signed a joint U.S.-Ghana Aviation
statement, in which USDOT pledged support through the Safe Skies for
Africa program to help Ghana satisfy the international aviation
safety standards. The delegation also met with Ghana's Minister of
Harbors and Railroads, and received an update on a USTDA-funded
study of Ghana's port infrastructure and potential for improvements.
END SUMMARY.

Safe Skies Statement


2. In an April 11 meeting, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas
Barrett and Ghanaian Aviation Minister Gloria Akuffo signed a joint
statement launching the U.S.-Ghana Safe Skies for Africa
relationship. The statement, which was witnessed by USTDA Director
Larry Walther, pledges U.S. technical support and training to assist
Ghana in satisfying the international aviation safety standards and
regain FAA Category I status, should a Ghanaian commercial air
carrier wish to serve the U.S. (Note: Ghana lost Category I status
following a negative FAA assessment of a previous national carrier.
A new public-private airline partnership has been formed following
the bankruptcy of the earlier airline. End Note.) Minister Akuffo
expressed appreciation, and noted that the creation of a separate
Ministry demonstrated the GOG's commitment to improving aviation.
USTDA Director Walther added that USTDA was launching an "Africa
Trade Lanes Partnership" initiative, which would include a later
mission to Ghana.


4. In the meeting with Minister Akuffo, and a subsequent discussion
with Minister for Harbors and Railroads Ameyaw-Akumfi, D/S Barrett
stressed the need for Ghana to maintain conditions necessary to
encourage development, including political stability and an
environment which discouraged corruption and the illegal drug trade.
Minister Akuffo described efforts to curtail drug flows through
Ghana's main international airport, citing cooperative efforts with
the UK Government and others. (Note: Ghana is increasingly a
transshipment point for cocaine and heroin entering Europe and the
United States. The USG is contributing to interdiction efforts
through training and equipment. End Note.)

Ghana's Ports Receive Needed Attention


5. In their subsequent meeting with Ghanaian Minister of Ports and
Railroads Ameyaw-Akumfi, the delegation discussed potential
improvements in inter-modal transport (rail, road and maritime).
D/S Barrett stressed the need for Ghana to maintain competitive
transportation rates. The Minister acknowledged the importance of
maritime safety and security, and noted support to Ghana from the
U.S. Coast Guard. MCC Vice President Maureen Harrington said that
agricultural production improvements through Ghana's MCC program
will increase demands on the ports, and that the program will
provide funds for highway improvements and two additional ferries on
Lake Volta.


6. At the Port of Tema (near Accra) Jens Korsgaard of Halcrow
Engineers, PE, of New York (which has received a $698,000 award from
USTDA to study Ghana's ports),briefed the delegation on feasibility
studies that will lead to master plans to expand the capacities of
both Tema and the eastern port of Takoradi, and will include
environmental assessments and market forecasts. Both ports are
currently limited in the size of vessel they can accommodate.


7. When asked whether efficiencies in port management could be
accomplished without new infrastructure, Korsgaard noted that
institutional improvements were possible but declined to provide
specifics due to the early nature of the project. Additional
facilities will be needed in the already constrained Takoradi port
to accommodate oil recovery from recent off-shore finds. In
attempting to position Ghana as a regional freight hub , Minister
Ameyaw-Akumfi outlined efforts to bring down costs and make the
ports friendlier to business. (Note: Ghana's MCA program includes
improvements in highway infrastructure to the port, which should
reduce congestion. End Note.) The delegation concluded its visit by
touring the Tema port facilities, including a new container port and
a recently completed food terminal intended to facilitate
non-traditional exports.


8. This cable was cleared by. Susan McDermott, DAS for Aviation and
International Affairs.

Brown