$60m Jamestown Fishing Harbour set to boost industry

By Daniel NONOR, Accra

GHANA’S fishing industry received a major boost with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Jamestown Fishing Harbour complex on Friday. Built with a $60-million grant from China, the facility is poised to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of local fisherfolk, while also increasing domestic fish production.

The newly-commissioned harbour is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is an economic asset designed to modernize Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector.

With advanced features like a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, and improved market stalls, the facility provides the necessary tools to improve fish handling, enhance storage capacity, and reduce post-catch losses.

These improvements are expected to increase fish catches, boost incomes, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported fish.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of the harbour for both the local community and the broader Ghanaian economy.

He noted that the facility, long in the making, represents a substantial shift from promises to action.

“This moment is the culmination of years of effort and the realization of a long-held dream that began as far back as 1965,” the President noted. “Promises were made, hopes were raised, but no substantial action was taken—until now. Today, we move beyond rhetoric to action.”

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is a strategic investment aimed at addressing some of the sector’s long-standing challenges, such as unsafe canoe landings and inadequate fish storage.

By providing modern infrastructure, the facility will help secure livelihoods for the thousands of families who depend on fishing for their survival. It also aligns with the government’s broader economic agenda to restore Ghana’s fishing industry and raise the living standards of fisherfolk across the nation.

The facility’s advanced amenities, including a daycare centre for the children of fisherfolk, underscore the government’s commitment to holistic community development.

These investments are expected to create a ripple effect throughout the local economy, generating new employment opportunities, improving working conditions, and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

President Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity to underscore the critical role that agriculture and fisheries play in Ghana’s economy.

The fishing sector alone supports over 2.6 million jobs and contributed US$263.2 million to the country’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,” he stated.

Recalling the sod-cutting ceremony in December 2018, President Akufo-Addo expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project, despite initial skepticism.

“In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress, and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfilment of that commitment,” he remarked.

He further praised the Chinese government for their financial support and commended the Ga Mantse, chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their steadfast trust in his administration. The President also acknowledged the socio-economic importance of the harbour, calling it a “symbol of hope and resilience,” reflecting the enduring spirit of the Ghanaian people.