Jamestown fishing harbour will be hub of economic activity, growth, and prosperity

President Akufo-Addo has stated that the newly commissioned Jamestown fishing harbour will be a pivot of economic activity, growth, and prosperity for the good people of Jamestown and the rest of the country.

Addressing the chiefs, elders, and people of Jamestown during a ceremony to officially commission the Jamestown Fishing Harbour today, 13 September 2024 at the forecourt of the harbour, President Akufo-Addo said the fishing harbour will inject new energy into the Jamestown community.

Symbol of hope

In his address, President Akufo-Addo said he recall’s “with pride the day in December 2018 when [he] came to Jamestown to cut the sod for this project. At the time, he said he “made a solemn promise to the people of Jamestown that under his leadership, the port will not remain a drawing board dream but will become a reality.”

“You were told by the professional naysayers that it was a political gimmick which will not see the light of day, I followed through on that promise. In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfilment of that commitment.

“This port is a symbol of hope, proof of the resilience and determination of our people, and a concrete manifestation of what we can achieve when we work together for the common good. It will create jobs, empower the domestic economy, and revitalize the lives of the fisherfolk and trades of Jamestown,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

“It will inject new energy into the heart of this community and I do not doubt that its benefits will ripple across the nation. Just as Elmina now thrives with increased fishing activities, so too will James Town become a hub of economic activity, growth, and prosperity,” the President further remarked.

The project

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is a significant initiative designed to enhance Ghana’s fishing Industry. The Harbour has been developed through the collaborative efforts of many stakeholders, including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), representing the Ministry of Transport.

The other development partners were CRCC Harbour & Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co, Limited, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), among others, with the Grand Aid of the People’s Republic of China.

Key elements

The Project underscores the intense commitment of the Government to advancing maritime and fishing infrastructure to foster economic growth. Key elements of the project are first; dredging, breakwater construction, berthing facilities and navigational aids which have provided a deeper and safer harbour basin for efficient maritime operations for canoes and fishing boats.

Second, paved roads and yards consisting of well-laid out paved roads and public ways to help facilitate transport, trade and logistics in the Fishing Port. Third, water supply and drainage work which are designed to ensure an adequate supply of potable water to the facilities and a good drainage system. Fourth, electrical engineering works that will provide the necessary power infrastructure for optimal operational conditions.

Fifthly, mechanical equipment including shipyard slipways, cold storage and ice-making plants, sewage treatment systems, and environmental protection vehicles such as compression-type waste vehicles, sewage suction vehicles and cleaning vehicles.

Lastly, corrosion prevention systems that have been incorporated to control the corrosion of outdoor fire hydrants, water supply and drainage valves to ensure longevity and reliability.

Facilities in the harbour

The fishing harbour has facilities such as an administration/office building, fish market, ice-making plant, shops, cold storage, kindergarten, fire protection suppression station, entrance guard, toilets, ship repair workshop, sewage treatment room, engine repair workshop, and hydraulic structure engineering.