President Akufo-Addo (3rd R), together with First Lady Rebecca Akufo- Addo (2nd R), King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (3rd L), Ga Mantse cutting the tape to inaugurate the Jamestown Habour in Accra. Pix by Gifty Lawson
Friday, September 13, 2024 will go down in the annals of history as one of the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s biggest day of celebration.
It was the day the government managed to deliver on one of its major promises to build a new fishing harbour for the chiefs and people of Jamestown, a fishing community in the Greater Accra Region.
This was after several decades of the collapse of the one constructed by the colonial masters, and the Akufo-Addo government made a promise to revitalise Ghana’s fishing industry and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, a state-of-the-art facility, had been eagerly anticipated since the 1960s, when discussions of constructing a modern fishing port for the area first began. For years, these plans remained unrealised, leaving the people of Jamestown and the broader Ga community with unmet expectations.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony last Friday, the President emphasised the symbolic and practical importance of the new facility.
“This moment is the culmination of years of effort and the realisation of a long-held dream that began as far back as 1965. Promises were made, hopes were raised, but no substantial action was taken – until now. Today, we move beyond rhetoric to action,” President Akufo-Addo said.
As a man who takes pride in having grown up in nearby Korle Wokon, a walking distance from Jamestown, President Akufo-Addo expressed deep satisfaction in bringing this project to fruition.
He recalled the day in December 2018 when he cut sod for the project and naysayers expressed doubt about the port’s completion.
“In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress, and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfillment of that commitment,” he noted with pride.
The newly constructed fishing harbour is expected to transform the local economy, generate employment, improve the lives of fisherfolk, and boost domestic fish production.
The President highlighted the socio-economic significance of the project, stating, “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.”
The harbour, which is equipped with a range of modern facilities, is designed to address some of the long-standing challenges faced by Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector.
These include the safe launching and landing of canoes, improved fish handling, and enhanced storage capacities.
Notable features of the port include a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, and market stalls, among others.
A daycare centre has also been included to support women traders, allowing them to conduct their business with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe.
“This is not just a building; it is an investment in the future of this community. The inclusion of daycare centres demonstrates a governance of compassion, one that empowers women and strengthens families,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
The commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour follows the successful completion of the Elmina Fishing Port in May 2023; another landmark project under the Akufo-Addo administration aimed at transforming Ghana’s fishing industry.
The President underscored his government’s understanding of the critical role agriculture and fisheries play in Ghana’s economy, noting that the fishing sector supports over 2.6 million livelihoods and contributed $263.2 million to the nation’s GDP in 2020.
“This harbour is not just a monument to progress; it is a vital lifeline for socio-economic empowerment, job creation, and improved livelihoods. We are investing in superior infrastructure to reduce post-catch losses, improve fish catches, and reduce our dependence on imported fish,” he stated.
During the construction phase of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, some 500 direct jobs were created, with expectations for more as the facility becomes fully operational.
The harbour’s completion is also expected to revitalise the entire community, sparking economic activity and growth in the region.
President Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the Ga Mantse, the chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their unwavering faith in his government.
He also acknowledged the support of the People’s Republic of China, particularly President Xi Jinping, for their contributions to the project.
Additionally, the President commended Ambassador Edward Boateng and former High Commissioner Isaac Osei for their instrumental roles in bringing the project to life.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is a landmark achievement in President Akufo-Addo’s broader agenda of infrastructural development aimed at improving Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
As the people of Jamestown celebrate the fulfillment of this long-standing promise, the harbour stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for the future.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent