James Town Fishing Harbour will be hub of economic activity, growth, and prosperity – Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has declared that the newly commissioned James Town Fishing Harbour will be a pivot of economic activity, growth and prosperity for the people of James Town and for the rest of the country.

Addressing the chiefs, elders and people of James Town at a ceremony on the harbour’s forecourt to commission James Town Fishing Harbour officially today (13 September 2024), President Akufo-Addo said the project will inject new energy into the local community.

Symbol of hope

In his address, President Akufo-Addo said he recalls “with pride the day in December 2018 when [he] came to James Town to cut the sod for this project”.

At the time, he said, he made a solemn promise to the people of James Town 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 revitalise the lives of the fisherfolk and traders of James Town,” President Akufo-Addo said.

“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 said.

The project

James Town Fishing Harbour is a significant initiative designed to enhance Ghana’s fishing Industry. The site 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 include CRCC Harbour & Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co Ltd, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the whole project being made possible with the grand aid of the People’s Republic of China.

Key elements

The harbour project underlines the intense commitment of the Government of Ghana to advancing maritime and fishing infrastructure to foster economic growth.

Key elements of the project are the dredging work done, the breakwater construction, berthing facilities and navigational aids, which have created a deeper and safer harbour basin, allowing for efficient maritime operations for canoes and fishing boats.

Second, there are now yards with well-laid-out paving and proper public ways to help facilitate transport, trade and logistics in the fishing port. The water supply and drainage work are designed to ensure an adequate supply of potable water to all the facilities as well as a good drainage system. Fourth, electrical engineering works will provide the necessary power infrastructure for optimal operational conditions.

Fifth, there is mechanical equipment, including shipyard slipways, supported by cold storage areas, sewage treatment systems and environmental protection vehicles such as compression-type waste vehicles, sewage suction vehicles and cleaning vehicles.

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

Facilities on site

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

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra

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