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President Akufo-Addo commissions Jamestown Fishing Harbour
In a historic moment for the coastal community of Jamestown, Accra, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the long-awaited Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The completion of this significant project, which has been in the making for decades, represents the fulfilment of a promise made by the Akufo-Addo government to revitalize Ghana’s fishing industry and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, a state-of-the-art facility, has been eagerly anticipated since the 1960s, when discussions of constructing a modern fishing port for the area first began.
For years, these plans remained unrealized, leaving the people of Jamestown and the broader Ga community with unmet expectations.
Today, however, the harbour stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to action, with President Akufo-Addo proudly delivering on a decades-old promise.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the new facility.
“This moment is the culmination of years of effort and the realization 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,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo, who has personal ties to the Jamestown area, having grown up in the nearby Korle Wokon, expressed his deep satisfaction in bringing this project to fruition.
He recalled the day in December 2018 when he cut the sod for the project, however he was doubted on his ability to deliver the promise.
“In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress, and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfilment of that commitment,” he noted with pride.
The newly constructed fishing harbour is expected to transform the local economy, generating employment, improving the lives of fisherfolk, and boosting 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.”
“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 US$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,” President Akufo-Addo 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 extended 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 fulfilment of this long-standing promise, the harbour stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for the future.
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.
The family of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a distinguished statesman and diplomat, has paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama. They officially informed him of his passing.
The delegation, representing the Gbeho family, noted that it was culturally and diplomatically important to formally notify the President of the loss before making a public announcement of his death.
Ambassador Gbeho was a towering figure in Ghanaian and international politics. He served in many diplomatic missions, including New York. He was Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, a Member of Parliament for the Anlo constituency, and President (formerly Executive Secretary) of the ECOWAS Commission.
He was widely respected for his role in regional integration and his contributions to global diplomacy at the United Nations.
President Mahama expressed his condolences and shared reflections on Ambassador Gbeho’s contributions to the country, West Africa and the world.
Funeral details will be announced later.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has revoked all firearm permits in Ghana with immediate effect and announced a new registration process for all gun owners.
The minister made the announcement on Tuesday, June 23, at the information service department saying all individuals who currently hold licences to own firearms or sidearms must undergo a fresh registration process.
“From this afternoon, all permits that have been granted to any individual that you are holding a sidearm or firearm is hereby revoked,” Mr Muntaka said.
He explained that the government had identified gaps in the country’s firearm registration system and needed to introduce stricter measures to improve public safety.
“We are opening the window where everyone will have to come forward again to register or re-register the gun because we’ve changed the procedure,” he stated.
According to him, the government decided not to wait until the end of the year to make the changes because lives could still be saved within the next six months.
The Interior Minister said one of the new requirements would be mandatory mental health screening for applicants seeking firearm licences.
“We’ve seen that people with mental health have already gone through and have the sidearm. Now we are introducing mental health. Before we give you the sidearm, we have to be sure that you have the mental stability to hold the firearms,” he said.
Mr Muntaka also announced that applicants would be required to undergo drug tests before being granted licences.
“We’ve also realised that people who are on drugs are also holding their arms and they are legitimate because it’s been registered. Now you have to go through drug tests to be sure that you are not on drugs before you can hold sidearms,” he added.
The minister said the new measures form part of efforts by the government to tighten firearm control and prevent legally registered weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
He urged all firearm owners to cooperate with the new registration process once details of the exercise are announced.
By: Jacob Aggrey
