President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the on-going collaboration between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Meridian Ports Service that would bring about total transformation at the Tema Port.

He said government would continue to forge relationships that would bring mutual benefit and create numerous jobs for Ghanaian youth in the coming days.

President Mahama gave the commendation when the two bodies called on him at the Flagstaff House, Kanda, to inform President Mahama of the new Ghc1.8 billion deal they had signed towards the expansion of the port.

The deal involves the building four new berths to help in expanding the facility to become centre of excellence in the West African sub-region.

President Mahama said the project is the single largest project in terms of investment in the non-oil sector in the country.

He said although the expansion project is privately funded, government would continue to play its role to ensure that the port regained its status as the leading port with efficiency in Africa.

The President said the Tema motorway would also be expanded to accommodate the fleet of vehicles that would be using it due to the expansion programme at the port.

Dr Richard A.Y. Anamoo, Director General of the port said the project, which would effectively commence by December, would witness the completion of two of the berths in the first two years of construction.

He said the construction of the berths would change the maritime system of Ghana to make it iconic in West Africa and beyond.

The Director General said the project would eventually place Ghana in an advantageous economic position to create vital jobs and brisk business in the country.