Gov’t moves to curb persistent siltation at Jamestown Fishing Harbour

THE government is considering extending the breakwater at the Jamestown Fishing Harbour to curb persistent siltation that continues to disrupt fishing activities at the facility.

The proposed measure, together with sustained dredging, is expected to keep the harbour navigable for fishing vessels, improve operational efficiency and protect the livelihoods of fisherfolk who depend on the facility.

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, announced the plan on Tuesday when he visited the harbour and the Tema Harbour to assess operational challenges and explore measures to improve efficiency at the two facilities.

Mr Nikpe explained that inspections, carried out at the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, showed that the existing breakwater was too short, allowing large volumes of sediment to enter the harbour basin.

Because of this, he said dredging works carried out at the harbour did not last long, as the facility became silted again within three to six months after desilting.

“If the breakwater is not extended, every three months we will have to desilt the harbour, which is very expensive,” he stated.

According to him, the government was, therefore, examining the option of extending the breakwater to provide a more permanent solution to the recurring siltation problem.

• Mr Nikpe (middle) with some ministers and dignitaries during his visit to the Tema Harbour

He indicated that the inspection also revealed some operational gaps at the facility, noting that certain supporting infrastructure required to make the harbour fully functional were not provided when it became operational in 2023.

Mr Nikpe cited the section designated for the repair of small fishing vessels, which currently could not be effectively used because accumulated sediments prevented boats from accessing the area.

He said the government would work closely with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and other relevant agencies to address the challenges and improve operations at the harbour.

Mr Nikpe also disclosed that a longstanding water supply challenge, affecting the fishing market and fisherfolk at the harbour had been resolved through collaboration between the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

According to him, water supply to the facility had been restored, while a standby borehole was currently being mechanised to serve as an alternative source.

Additionally, he announced that improving operations at the harbour formed part of efforts to stimulate economic activities in coastal communities and support the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, who accompanied Mr Nikpe on the visit, underscored the importance of maximising the facilities at the harbour for the benefit of artisanal fishers.

She noted that fisheries contributed about 60 per cent of the animal protein consumed in the country, with between 75 and 80 per cent of that supply coming from artisanal fishers.

Mrs Arthur said the harbour was equipped with key facilities such as cold stores, a fish market and a processing centre to support fishing activities and improve post-harvest handling.

She added that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development was working closely with the Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders to ensure that the facilities operated efficiently to support fishing communities.

BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG

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