The President of the Republic, His Excellency (H.E.) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Elmina Fishing Port for commercial use. Speaking at the commissioning, the President noted that the event was a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the fishing industry in the country.
He noted it gladdened his heart that the port had been completed and being commissioned because there was a lot of doubt that greeted the announcement and commencement of the project but the commissioning was showing it was not just political talk when the government said it was going to construct fish landing sites and ports.
He informed the gathering that 12 fish landing sites and 2 fishing ports had been constructed along the coast of the country and in the coming days, they will all be commissioned to be fully used by fishing communities.
He called on the citizens and the port management to ensure that the facility was kept in shape and not allowed to deteriorate without being maintained. He urged them to maintain the facility for it to be able to achieve its full potential and rake in the needed revenue and employment.
The Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah on his part said, the commissioning of the Elmina Fishing Port marked a significant milestone in the government's commitment to revitalizing the fishing industry and enhancing the country's economic development, and the government’s effort to modernize the fishing industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for its growth.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support and the Government of Belgium for their invaluable contribution to the development of Ghana. He emphasized that the fishing industry was a crucial sector that provided direct and indirect employment opportunities, supporting the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
He noted that, over the years, the fishing industry had faced challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and the poor state of existing facilities. Recognizing the need to unlock the industry's full potential, the government prioritized the development of Coastal Fish Landing Sites and Fishing Ports upon assuming office with the rehabilitation and expansion of the Elmina Fishing Port Project, being a part of it.
The project, he added, involved marine works such as the construction of a breakwater, quay wall, dredging, and reclamation, among others with onshore facilities including, a new administration block, a fish market, a net mending hall, an auction hall and workshop, an ablution facility, and a daycare center that will also serve as a cultural facility.
In addition to the main construction works, the Minister mentioned, that the contractor, Bellsea Limited, and the supervision consultant, International Marine Dredging Consultants (IMDC), undertook several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the local community. These CSR projects included the maintenance and repair of local gravel and town roads, the refurbishment of the town-side cobblewalk pedestrian quay, the donation of streetlights in various sections of the Elmina township, the completion of the Omanhene's Palace, and the concreting of the Mpoben market in Elmina.
Furthermore, the contractor provided emergency assistance to flood victims, supported waste removal initiatives, and conducted archaeological investigations for the Ghana Museum and Monuments Board. They also paved the Elmina Castle area and constructed some access roads and parking.
The Fishing Port Project, the Minister stated, aims to ensure the safe launching and landing of artisanal fishing canoes, create a hygienic environment, and maximize the industry's contribution to Ghana's socio-economic development.
The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining the newly commissioned fishing port and urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to collaborate with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Municipal Assembly, and other stakeholders to ensure proper upkeep of the facility. He encouraged the utilization of the facility to its full potential, emphasizing that the investment made in the project should not be made to go to waste.
Expressing his gratitude, Hon. Ofori Asiamah thanked his colleagues, Ministers for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Works and Housing, for their support and cooperation throughout the project. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and all other key stakeholders involved in the successful completion of the Elmina Fishing Port Project.
The commissioning of the Elmina Fishing Port is a significant step toward enhancing the fishing industry's productivity and contributing to the local economy. The facility and existing fishing ports in Tema and Sekondi will further strengthen Ghana's position in the fishing sector. With the collective effort of all stakeholders, the fishing industry is expected to thrive and benefit current and future generations.Top of Form
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) implemented the project through the contractor, Bellsea Limited, and the supervision consultant, International Marine Dredging Consultants (IMDC).
The Elmina Fishing Port was officially commissioned on Friday, 26th May 2023, by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, assisted by the Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, with several esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders being present.
