President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has fulfilled a long-standing promise to the people of Jamestown with the commissioning of the much-anticipated Jamestown Fishing Harbour.
This milestone marked the completion of a project that has been in the works since 1965, representing a significant achievement for both the Jamestown community and Ghana as a whole.
Speaking at the inauguration event, President Akufo-Addo described the completion of the harbour as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to delivering on promises made to the people of Ghana.
“This project, which had been a dream since 1965, now stands as a modern facility that will empower the livelihoods of our hardworking fisherfolk and transform the local economy.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President emphasized that the new harbour would go beyond the provision of infrastructure to become a lifeline for the people of Jamestown and their families, improving livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of the local economy.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is expected to have a transformative effect on the local economy. The project includes critical infrastructure such as a modern fish market, an ice-making plant, a cold storage facility, and a daycare centre for mothers.
These facilities will not only improve the handling, storage, and processing of fish but will also provide job opportunities and boost economic activity in the community.
The President highlighted that the creation of these modern facilities would have a long-lasting impact on the fishing industry in the region, which is a crucial economic activity for the people of Jamestown.
“This is governance that works for the people, improving lives and empowering future generations,” Akufo-Addo remarked, stressing that the project was designed with the well-being of the community in mind.
The new harbour is set to significantly boost economic growth in Jamestown, an area traditionally dependent on fishing. The introduction of modern technology in fish handling and processing will likely lead to better quality fish products, making them more competitive in local and international markets.
The ice-making plant and cold storage facility, in particular, are expected to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of fish, allowing for higher profitability and increased export opportunities.
In addition to directly benefitting those involved in the fishing industry, the harbour is expected to generate numerous indirect employment opportunities.
A Promise Delivered After Decades of Waiting
The President used the occasion to reflect on the long journey to making the harbour a reality, acknowledging that the project had been long overdue.
“I am deeply satisfied to see this project completed, particularly as someone who grew up in this area. It is a personal joy to have been able to contribute to the development of Jamestown, a community that holds a special place in my heart.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
He expressed his gratitude to the Ga Mantse (the traditional ruler of the Ga people) and the people of Jamestown for their unwavering support and trust in the government throughout the project’s development. The President’s connection to the community, having spent part of his youth there, added a personal dimension to the commissioning event.
The President underscored that the completion of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Ghana’s coastal communities. He reiterated his government’s commitment to improving the lives of fishermen and women through sustainable infrastructure projects that have tangible impacts on their everyday lives.
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