Jamestown fishing harbour to boost local economy

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the newly constructed Jamestown Fishing Harbour complex in Accra, a $60-million project funded through a grant from China. The modern harbour is poised to transform the local economy, create jobs, improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk, and boost domestic fish production.

During the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significance of the facility, both symbolically and practically, noting that it marks the fulfillment of a decades-long vision that dates back to 1965. After years of unfulfilled promises, he said, the completion of the harbour underscores his government’s commitment to restoring Ghana’s fishing industry and raising living standards in the coastal communities.

The President expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, reflecting on the initial sod-cutting in 2018 and subsequent inspections in 2020. He acknowledged the doubts some had about the project’s completion but proudly celebrated the achievement as a testament to perseverance and collaboration.

The state-of-the-art harbour is designed to address key challenges faced by Ghana’s artisanal fishing industry, including safer canoe launching and landing, improved fish handling, and enhanced storage. The facility boasts a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, market stalls, and a daycare center.

President Akufo-Addo underscored the critical role of agriculture and fisheries in Ghana’s economy, noting that the fishing sector supports over 2.6 million jobs and contributed $263.2 million to the nation’s GDP in 2020. The new harbour, he said, represents more than just infrastructure—it is a strategic investment in reducing post-catch losses, improving fish yields, and decreasing reliance on imported fish.

He also praised the Chinese government for their financial support and thanked the Ga Mantse, local chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their trust and cooperation in making the project a reality.