President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned an ultra-modern fishing harbour at Jamestown in the Greater Accra Region. The new facility, aimed at boosting Ghana’s fishing industry, includes a cold storage unit, a fish processing center, a fire and police station, and a crèche.
It is expected to create approximately 4,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youth in the Ga community, contributing significantly to local employment and economic growth.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the construction of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour marks a major step towards reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported fish. “This project will enhance fish catches and help minimize post-harvest losses,” he noted. He added that the facility would play a vital role in revitalizing the local economy, empowering the lives of fisherfolk, and transforming the community.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the broader impact of the harbour, stating, “It will create jobs, empower the economy, and revitalize the lives of the fisherfolk and traders of Jamestown. We will inject new energies into the heart of this community. I have no doubt that its benefits will ripple across the nation.”
The harbour, a significant infrastructure project, is part of the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of fishing communities and supporting sustainable economic development. The President stressed the importance of this initiative in enhancing the fishing industry, promoting local production, and reducing reliance on imports.
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, also spoke at the event, appealing to the government to ensure that a quota of employment opportunities at the new harbour is allocated specifically for the Ga youth. He emphasized the need for local representation in the operation of the facility, stating, “I stand also as the voice of the Ga Dangbe Youth whose heritage is rooted in these lands and waters. I appeal to the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that a quota is allocated for the benefit of our young people. They must not be observers of this commercial venture and major transformation. They deserve a seat at the table to benefit and thrive.”
The King’s call for inclusivity reflects a broader aspiration for equitable development in the region. As the Jamestown community welcomes this significant project, there is an expectation that it will serve as a model for how local populations can benefit from national development efforts. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II underscored the importance of ensuring that the economic gains from the harbour are shared fairly with the local community, particularly the youth who form the backbone of the region’s future.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is poised to be a transformative project for the Greater Accra Region, with far-reaching impacts on the local fishing industry and the community. The state-of-the-art facilities, including the cold storage unit and fish processing center, will enhance the quality and value of fish products, reducing spoilage and increasing market competitiveness. This, in turn, is expected to open up new opportunities for export, enhancing Ghana’s position in the regional and international fish markets.
Additionally, the inclusion of essential services like a fire and police station at the harbour is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the operations, contributing to a stable and conducive environment for business growth. The provision of a crèche is a thoughtful addition, particularly for women working at the facility, as it addresses childcare needs and promotes gender inclusivity in the workplace.
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his investment in infrastructure is part of a larger government strategy to strengthen Ghana’s fishing sector, which has historically been a critical source of livelihood for many coastal communities. The project aligns with the government’s broader vision to achieve food security and sustainable development by boosting local production, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving supply chain efficiencies.
As the harbour begins its operations, the creation of 4,000 jobs will provide much-needed employment for the youth in the Ga community. This is seen as a vital component of the government’s effort to tackle unemployment and provide meaningful opportunities for young people. The skills and experience gained through employment at the harbour are expected to have long-term benefits, equipping the youth with capabilities that will be valuable in various sectors of the economy.
The commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour also reflects Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to economic growth, decent work, and industry innovation. By providing modern facilities and infrastructure, the government aims to support local industries and promote economic diversification.
As the new facility becomes operational, all eyes are on the potential it holds for transforming Jamestown and its surroundings. There is optimism that the harbour will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, fostering a dynamic and prosperous community that is self-reliant and empowered.
The support from the UN and other international partners in such initiatives demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable development in Ghana. It is expected that the Jamestown Fishing Harbour will become a benchmark for similar projects in other regions, promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the livelihoods of people across the country.
President Akufo-Addo concluded the event by reaffirming his government’s dedication to ensuring the success of the harbour and its positive impact on the people of Jamestown and the broader Ghanaian economy. He called on all stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, and private sector players, to collaborate and contribute to the facility’s growth and sustainability.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is not just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and future prosperity for the Ga community and Ghana as a whole. As the President noted, its success will depend on collective efforts to maximize its benefits and ensure that it becomes a true engine of growth and development for generations to come.
