VZCZCXRO8021
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHAR #0509 1061517
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 151517Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY ACCRA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6405
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

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