James Town Fishing Harbour: It is a symbol of hope and resilience for people of Ga Mashie – Akufo-Addo says at inauguration

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the much-anticipated Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday, September 13, 2024.

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, equipped with modern amenities, has been a long-awaited development since the 1960s, when the idea of a contemporary fishing port first emerged. Although plans had languished for years, the new facility now embodies the government’s dedication to delivering on its promises.

In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo underscored both the symbolic and practical significance of the new harbour. “This milestone represents the culmination of years of effort and the realization of a vision that dates back to 1965. While previous promises were unfulfilled, today we move from rhetoric to tangible results,” he stated.

Having grown up in the nearby Korle Wokon, President Akufo-Addo expressed personal satisfaction at seeing the project come to life. He reminisced about the sod-cutting ceremony in December 2018 and the skepticism surrounding the project’s progress. “In October 2020, I returned to inspect the site, and now, we stand together to witness the realization of that commitment,” he said.

The new harbour is expected to revitalize the local economy by creating jobs, improving conditions for fishermen, and increasing domestic fish production. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the project’s socio-economic impact, calling it a “symbol of hope and resilience” and a testament to the collective effort for the common good.

The facility, featuring modern infrastructure, aims to tackle long-standing issues in Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector. Key amenities include a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, market stalls, and a daycare centre for women traders. This inclusion reflects a compassionate approach to governance that supports women and strengthens families, according to the President.

 

The inauguration of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour follows the completion of the Elmina Fishing Port in May 2023, another major project under Akufo-Addo’s administration aimed at transforming Ghana’s fishing industry. The President emphasized his government’s recognition of the critical role agriculture and fisheries play in the nation’s economy, noting that the sector supports over 2.6 million livelihoods and contributed $263.2 million to the GDP in 2020.

“This harbour is more than just a structure; it represents a vital lifeline for socio-economic empowerment, job creation, and enhanced livelihoods. We are investing in advanced infrastructure to reduce post-catch losses, boost fish production, and lessen our reliance on imported fish,” President Akufo-Addo asserted.

 

During its construction, the Jamestown Fishing Harbour generated approximately 500 direct jobs, with more anticipated as the facility becomes fully operational. Its completion is also expected to stimulate economic activity and growth in the region.

President Akufo-Addo thanked the Ga Mantse, the chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their steadfast support, as well as the People’s Republic of China and President Xi Jinping for their contributions. He also acknowledged Ambassador Edward Boateng and former High Commissioner Isaac Osei for their pivotal roles in the project’s success.

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour stands as a significant achievement in President Akufo-Addo’s broader agenda of infrastructural development, symbolizing progress and prosperity for the future.

 

By Daakyehene Nana Yaw Asante

The post James Town Fishing Harbour: It is a symbol of hope and resilience for people of Ga Mashie – Akufo-Addo says at inauguration first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story