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In March 2024, prominent Ghanaian entrepreneur, philanthropist and presidential aspirant Nana Kwame Bediako announced his ambitious plan to extend the sea to the Ashanti Region.
The entrepreneur, popularly known as Cheddar, argued that shipping containers in bulk by sea would be more efficient than transporting them individually by road, hence the need to dredge and expand the sea to Ghana’s third largest and second most populated region.
“I have travelled and seen what others are doing for their country. Even Dubai is a desert, but they have dredged and extended the sea there. That’s what I want to do for Kumasi. I want to dredge for the sea to extend here so that we can use ships and other things here. It is 2024. This is not the time to transport single containers from Tema Harbour to Kumasi,” he argued.
Dubai is known for its ambitious construction projects, and one of the city’s most impressive feats of engineering is the expansion of the sea through dredging.
One of the most well-known examples of sea expansion through dredging in Dubai is the creation of the Dubai Marina. This man-made canal city is now a popular residential and tourist destination. The construction of the Dubai Marina involved dredging the seabed to create the canal with luxurious high-rise buildings constructed along its shores.
These projects have significantly expanded Dubai’s coastline and transformed the city into a world-renowned tourist destination. However, they have also sparked controversy due to their environmental impact, as dredging can disrupt marine ecosystems and habitats.
Despite the Dubai example, the proposal by Nana Kwame Bediako has sparked excitement and scepticism among Ghanaians. Some believe the proposal is outlandish and impossible to replicate in Ghana. Others believe it is possible but doubt if Cheddar can raise funds to execute it.
In this article, we will explore the feasibility of Nana Kwame Bediako’s plan and its potential implications for Ghana’s economic development and infrastructural expansion.
The long history of sea dredging
Throughout the 1800s, American and British leaders and businessmen wanted to ship goods quickly and cheaply between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. That’s when the Panama Canal came in, but building it wasn’t easy.
It took a lot of hard work and time. Constructors had to move tonnes of dirt and rocks. And they had to figure out how to control the water from the oceans so ships could sail smoothly through the canal.
But once it was done, it was a game-changer!
Ships could now sail through the Panama Canal, saving time and making trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans much easier.
To delve deeper into Nana Kwame Bediako’s endeavour in the Ghanaian setting, we engaged key experts and resource persons seeking to unravel its potential benefits and challenges.
What are engineers saying about Nana Kwame Bediako’s proposal?
Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Chamber of Construction Industries, offered invaluable insights into the project’s viability. He described the proposal as a test case for Ghana’s construction and engineering industry, stressing the need for innovative thinking and meticulous planning.
“First of all, it starts from the conception aspect. You know, as a country, the time has come for us to be thinking outside the box. It’s something that will be a test case for us, which is going to at least make us think outside the box immediately to start looking at the prospects and what the possibilities are of bringing this to fruition. Sincerely, it is something that is challenging but it is possible.”
While acknowledging the potential benefits, Mr Cherry said formidable challenges may lie ahead, including the ecological complexities and financial implications.
“The challenge here is naturally God has his way of designing the ecosystem we live in. So, ecologically, God, in his wisdom, has decided to go this way. So if we want to by all cost force the hand of God to make it happen, then we must also try as much as possible to bear the brunt, possibly putting certain challenges into play.”
Also, on his part, the President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Mr Kwabena Bempong, noted that the realisation of such an endeavour is not going to be easy.
“Of course, in engineering, we can never say anything is impossible, but then at what cost? And the cost may be financial, environmental, social, and other issues, or even economical.”
According to Bempong, technically, dredging the sea to Kumasi goes against gravity because the city’s average elevation is about 256 meters above mean sea level, and the minimum level will be about 188 to 200 meters.
“Now, Accra, obviously there are portions of Accra, which are zero, and that’s why we have flooding. We, at the maximum elevation, 150. So by and large, the average elevation of Accra is 29.8 meters. Now, we know in physics that water would flow under gravity from a high point to a low point. And therefore, for you to dredge from Accra to Kumasi, that will mean that you are going against gravity,” he explained.
He stressed the need for comprehensive analysis and cautioned against underestimating the project’s complexity, citing the unique challenges posed by Ghana’s developing status.
“And when you want to go against gravity, the obvious thing is that you may have to pump. Now, if you are pumping, what energy are you going to use to do that? And even if you did that, you probably would need some locks.”
What is the economic viability?
Analysing the economic viability, Bempong highlighted the importance of considering alternative transportation modes beyond waterways.
“Now, what are the trade volumes on our roads? Are they to the point that there’ll be economic feasibility in terms of the return on that investment? How much are you going to spend doing that kind of work? So these are the things that I have. On the surface, of course, I’m not an expert in everything, but then looking at it from the engineering eye, these are the things which easily come to me.”
However, if Nana Kwame Bediako’s plan to extend the sea to the Ashanti Region proves feasible and successful, it could unlock new opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and development in the region.
Improved access to the sea could stimulate trade, investment, and job creation, benefiting local communities and businesses.
However, according to Mr Cherry, maintaining and sustaining the extended sea route to the Ashanti Region would be a long-term commitment that requires recurring resources and planning.
“The potential benefits of improved access to the sea for the region’s economy, trade, and transportation must be weighed against the costs and risks associated with such a large-scale infrastructure project.”
What are the environmental consequences?
Founder of Green Film Festival, climate activist, and environmental impact analyst Isaac Aboah Owusu expressed scepticism, highlighting the immense capital and resources such a project would require.
“The incentive for such a project remains unclear,” Isaac remarked.
According to him, when considering the environmental implications, we must question the necessity and feasibility of such a venture.
“Indeed, concerns over the environmental impact of large-scale dredging could disrupt marine ecosystems, displace habitats, and lead to loss of biodiversity.”
Additionally, he explained that the process could result in sedimentation and turbidity, arguing that the environment and marine life are essential and must be considered before any further steps are taken.
“It is imperative that we proceed with caution. The long-term consequences of such a project could be devastating if not carefully considered and mitigated, rendering the water unsuitable for various uses and threatening traditional livelihoods dependent on clean water sources.”
In light of these concerns, calls for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment have grown louder.
The Pros and Cons of such a project
As discussions unfold regarding this ambitious seaport expansion, it is imperative to approach the matter with pragmatism and foresight.
While the project holds immense potential, it also demands rigorous analysis and strategic planning to ensure its success and mitigate potential risks.
The feasibility of Nana Kwame Bediako’s plan to extend Ghana’s sea to the Ashanti Region remains a topical issue for continuous debate.
The project could enhance Ghana’s infrastructure and connectivity, further positioning the country as a regional hub for trade and commerce. The potential for increased collaboration and cooperation between the coastal and inland regions of Ghana could foster greater unity and development across the country.
While the vision is bold and transformative, the practical challenges and considerations must be carefully evaluated to ensure the project’s success and sustainability. Ultimately, the potential benefits of improved access to the sea for the Ashanti Region could be significant, but the implementation of such a complex infrastructure project requires thorough planning, collaboration, and investment.
In contemplating the broader implications of such initiatives, Mr Cherry suggested exploring alternative transportation modes, such as air travel, to complement maritime infrastructure. He emphasised the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure development, considering the diverse needs and challenges across regions.
Our fellow produced this explainer as part of the requirements of the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship in partnership with Asaase Radio, Ghana.
