Takoradi, Aug.16, GNA - President John Kufuor on Monday paid a familiarisation tour of transit sheds being constructed at the Takoradi Port.

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) constructed the 59,000 metric tonnes capacity sheds at a cost of 28.8 billion cedis from its internally generated funds.

The President was conducted round by Mr Charles Cyril Nettey, Acting Director of the Takoradi Port, as part of his four-day tour of the Western Region.

Addressing a durbar of workers in his honour, President Kufuor, impressed by the management's efforts to generate funds to complete the project within a period of one year, said, "the future of the harbour is great".

He said the Government had great plans for the harbour and would in due course, become the "hub of activities not only in Ghana but the entire sub-region.

President Kufuor disclosed that some international companies had began negotiations and feasibility studies to establish an oil refinery in Sekondi-Takoradi to create more jobs for the youth to enable the twin-city return to its past glory, as a centre of activities and life. He urged management personnel of the port to rededicate themselves to work hard, adding, "the effective utilisation of the internally generated funds show great promise and you should continue to work like that".

On behalf of the workers, Mr Nettey said management and workers would continue to collaborate their efforts and give of their best. Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister for Fisheries and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, said Takoradi Port would soon bounce back to life to offer employment to the youth and advised the people to remain solid behind the Government.