Cabinet approves construction of 10 Coastal Fishing Harbours, Landing Sites

Parliament is expected to soon approve the construction of 10 Coastal Fishing Harbours and Landing Sites.

This, according to the Information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, follows a recent Cabinet approval to the commercial and financial agreement for these projects.

He told journalists at a bi-weekly briefing Wednesday, that Cabinet has recommended to Parliament for consideration and approval for work to begin.

The ten identified sites where the landing sites and related facilities will be constructed include

Teshie - Greater Accra Region

Axim - Western Region

Dixcove - Western Region

Elmina - Central Region

Winneba - Central Region

Mumford - Central Region

Senya- Bereku - Central Region

Fetteh-Gomah - Central Region

Moree - Central Region

Keta - Volta Region

The development of the fish landing sites and ports is aimed at ensuring safeguard launching and landing of particularly, artisanal fishing and canoes.

It is also aimed at creating and maintaining a hygienic environment for the processing and handling of fish.

The projects will help prevent and minimise post-harvest losses and adding value to the fish caught by artisanal fishermen.

The fisheries sector plays a major role in the Ghanaian national economy.

It contributes to 3% of GDP and also has significant indirect contributions to teh economy.

These include employment opportunities for marine fishermen, boat-yards workers, suppliers of auxiliary goods, services etc and exporting of the fish products to earn foreign exchange for the country.

It is estimated that up to 12% of total national fish product is exported.

The completion of this project is expected to increase exports volumes and directly increase the foreign exchange earnings of the country.

To achieve this, the Information Minister said: “total amount of $235 million has been earmarked for these projects situated in selected areas.”

“Government’s vision to transform Ghana’s fishing industry is clearly stated in the NPP’s 2016 manifesto, under Agriculture and Rural Development, on pages 18 and 19. It includes a key pillar that says ‘Top of the agenda for fisheries will be the programme of building landing sites and storage facilities’,” the Minister said. Read Full Story