Court throws out MPs' case against Atuabo Freeport project

An Appeals Court in Cape Coast has struck out the case of the five MPs praying it to stop the Atuabo Freeport Project. 

In July 2014 Parliament approved an agreement between the government of Ghana and a British company, Lonrho Ports, for the development of an oil and gas free port at Atuabo. 

Clause 7 of the agreement bars Takoradi Port from further expanding its facilities for oil and gas until Lonrho builds its freeport, recovers all its costs, and makes enough profit. 

But the five MPs, Kwaku Kwarteng, Obuasi West; Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko, Takoradi Mr Joseph Cudjoe, Effia Mr Kofi Brako, Tema Central, and Mavis Hawa Koomson, Ewutu Senya took the matter to court, arguing that it was unlawful. 

The Atuabo Freeport Ghana limited has welcomed the ruling. 

The company said in a statement that it is currently carrying out soil investigation and other processes for the project to commence. 

It added that it is looking forward to the realization of Ghana’s first Free Port which will offer a gateway to the offshore oil and gas industry in Ghana and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

GBC