Ghana to get $9.5m ferry project for Volta Lake

Ghana will soon get two ferries worth $9.5 million as part of the $547 million Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) account from the US government.

The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) which is the local implementation agent for the compact, will soon take delivery of two new ferries that will enhance transportation on the Volta Lake.

According to MiDA in an advertiser’s announcement in the Daily Graphic Thursday April 21, 2011 edition, the “two double-end roll-on-roll-off ferries for vehicles and pedestrians” which cost $9.5 million, is being constructed by Messrs Arab Contractors of Egypt.

The first ferry is expected to be “launched in May 2011 with lake trials taking place in November this year, MiDA said.

Construction works on the second ferry is to start in May 2011 and will be launched in October, with lake trials planned for December the same year, MiDA added.

When completed, the ferries can carry eight trucks, 20 vehicles, 200 passengers and many motorbikes.

MiDA indicates that rehabilitation works on the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) floating dock which started in December 2010 is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The ferries will be managed by the Volta Lake Transport Company.

By Ekow Quandzie