President Akufo-Addo and the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Kaoru Yoshimura, unveil the plaque
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has warned that the government would marshal the full force of the state security apparatus to curb the spate of piracy in the country’s territorial waters.
According to him, Ghana’s waters are recognized internationally as being very safe “and so we will not allow pirates or criminals to rob us of this hard won reputation and create a sense of insecurity on our waters.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial waters. He has therefore, urged the 14 Tuna fishing companies in the country who were reported to have halted operations due to the menace posed by the pirates, to resume work.
“They have the full assurance of government of their protection and safety as they go about their day-to-day activities. We will not leave them to fight this menace alone,” he assured.
President Akufo-Addo gave the warning when he commissioned the refurbished Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Habour in Sekobdi yesterday.
The expansion works on the harbour, which began in 2016 with a Japanese grant of $20 million and was carried out by ECOH Corporation – Japanese consulting engineers – will help strengthen its capacity and functions.
It will also contribute not only to the coastal fisheries operations, but also to the growth of the fishery industry.
The fishing harbour was originally designed to provide improved fishing opportunities to thousands of fisher-folks at Shama, Sekondi-Takoradi and its adjoining fishing communities.
Its capacity at the time could allow for a maximum of 50 inshore vessels, but within a relatively short time, the rapid growth in the rate of utilization created serious congestion at the habour.
Currently, the expanded habour has the space and needed facilities to accommodate as many as 126 vessels.
The new facilities include an administration block, a lay-by wharf, a new ice making plant, access driveway, a parking lot, pavement works, an in-port road andd improved drainage system.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the refurbishment which was begun by his predecessor in July 2016, and completed by his government, was an evidence of the pledge he made in the run-up to the 2016 general elections that he would not abandon any projects merely because they were started by a previous government.
“The completion of this harbour is critical because the fishing industry is an important mainstay not only of many of the residents of Sekondi, but also of some two million Ghanaians across the country,” he underscored.
He indicated that the harbour witnessed its first rehabilitation in 2005 under the Kufuor-led NPP government and that the residents could attest to the significant boost it provided the fishing industry.
The president commended the government and people of Japan, who, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), provided the technical and financial support for the project.
“We cherish the strong bonds of co-operation and friendship that exist between our two countries, which are characterised by mutual respect,” added.
Fishing Industry
The president said that not only does fish constitute a substantial portion of the Ghanaian diet, but are essential to the livelihood and economy of Ghana.
He added that the fishing industry accounts for nearly 4 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and provides many employment opportunities for the young men and women.
“That is why the welfare of our fisher folks should be of the utmost importance to Government.
“It is, clearly, important for my government, and, that is why, upon my assumption of office in January last year, I appointed a full minister to oversee the activities of the sector, just as was done during the period of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo therefore, charged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to take good care of the fishing harbour in order to protect the US$20 million investment for current and future generations.
Fisheries Minister
The Fisheries Minister, Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, noted that under the Fisheries Sector Infrastructural Development Programme, the ministry would commence the development of three landing sites at Winneba, Mumford and Axim.
“We will also rehabilitate three public hatcheries at Vea, Sankana and Dormaa-Ahenkro; rehabilitate three fish health laboratories at Takoradi, Koforidua and Kumasi; complete and commission the Anomabo Fisheries College and refurbish the Tema Boat Yard to increase productivity,” Naa Afoley Quaye assured.
Chief Representative, JICA Ghana, Hirofumi Hashi, pointed out that JICA’s aim is to contribute for Ghana to become the transportation hub in West Africa.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Sekondi