Modern fishing harbour for Elmina

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for the construction of a multipurpose fishing port in Elmina.
When completed, the project is expected to boost fishing activities in Elmina and the region at large. Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony, the President noted that the fishing industry played a crucial role in the country’s economy.
About 60% of the country’s annual protein consumption, the President noted, was derived from fish. The sector, the president said, contributed “about 11% of agriculture’s contribution to the GDP”
The sector also employs about 20% of the country’s workforce through direct and indirect means. In view of this, the sector is considered to play a significant role in the country’s economy.
“It’s one of the reasons why we have a decision to improve continually the infrastructure and conditions of the fishing industry,” he said.
It also meant to “help improve our catch, cut down post-harvest losses, and reduce fish import in the medium to long term,” President Akufo-Addo added.
This, he said, informed his decision to construct eleven modern landing sites along the coast, including Moree, Manford, Winneba, Senya Breaku, Gomoa Fetteh and Elmina in the Central Region.
Axim and Dixcove are the beneficiary towns in the Western Region, while Teshie and James Town would benefit in the Greater Accra Region, as well as Keta in the Volta Region.
Funding for the project
According to the President, the Elmina fishing port was originally said to be financed by a CDB loan from China. However, he said, the government had secured different funding from Belgium to help finance the construction of the new port.
Scope of work
When completed, the new port would have a main breakwater with quay wall and lee breakwater with quay wall that would utilise the old main breakwater.
First phase of the project
President Akufo-Addo explained that the first phase of the project would see the upgrading of existing facilities such as the administration building among other auxiliary facilities. The second phase, the President said, would include a new fishing harbour and quay wall that would enable larger fishing vessels to dock more safely
Omanhen’s concerns
Nana Kwodwo Conduah VI expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for his commitment to constructing the new harbour for the town.
He mentioned that though the project was so dear to the heart of the people, past and successive governments only paid lip services. He, therefore, expressed optimism that the level of commitment expressed by the President gave an indication that his government would complete the project.

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