President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned the Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday, 13th September 2024, fulfilling a vision first proposed in the 1960s.
The state-of-the-art facility, eagerly awaited by the people of Jamestown and the wider Ga community, is expected to play a transformative role in Ghana’s fishing industry.
“This harbour represents not just a promise kept, but the realization of a dream that began in 1965,” the President said during the ceremony.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to revitalizing the local economy and improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
The new harbour, equipped with modern facilities such as a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, and a 200-tonne cold store, is set to boost domestic fish production and generate employment.
The facility’s completion is expected to reduce post-catch losses and enhance the quality of fish catches, thereby reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported fish.
Fishermen and traders alike expressed their optimism about the economic impact.
“This harbour will change lives. We’ve waited a long time for this,” said one fisherman, reflecting the excitement felt by the community.
One notable feature of the new harbour is the inclusion of a daycare centre.
“This is a governance of compassion,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
The provision of childcare facilities will allow women working in the fishing industry to balance work and family, further improving their economic opportunities.