President cuts sod for construction of James Town Fishing Harbour

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday cut the sod for the construction of the James Town Fishing Harbour Complex to enhance fishing activities, create more jobs and boost the fishing industry in the area.

The $60-million project is being funded with a grant from China.

The project involves the dredging of 118,000 cubic metres of harbour basin, construction of hydraulic structures covering about 1,200 metres and provision of offices, markets and processing and commercial areas.

Addressing the chiefs and the people of James Town on the second day of his three-day tour of the Greater Accra Region, the President said the project was geared towards meeting the needs of the people and helping to eradicate poverty.

He said the government was determined to bring development to every nook and cranny of the country, devoid of political considerations.

He expressed excitement that after several attempts since 1965 to rebuild the harbour and more than five sod-cutting ceremonies, the project would now move from the drawing board and become a reality.

The President said he was sad about the passing of the James Town Mantse, Obrempong Nii Kojo Ababio, because the chief was not around to witness the historic sod-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of the project.

He said the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana at the ceremony was an indication of the seriousness the Chinese government attached to the project and the friendship it had with Ghana.
 
He urged  the chiefs and the people of the area to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the early completion of the project.

President Akufo-Addo cutting the sod for the commencement of the James Town Fishing Harbour in Accra. Picture: SAMUEL TEI ADANO

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Chinese Ambassador  

The Chinese Ambassador, Mr Shi Ting Wang, explained that already the Chinese government had initiated the survey and design of the project, while experts and technicians from China were exploring the hydrological and geological conditions of the port area.

He said both Ghanaian and Chinese experts had completed detailed discussions on the port dredging, the hydraulic construction and the supporting facilities.

He said China was ready to support Ghana to implement its policies, such as the One district, One factory (1D1F) and the free senior high school policies, the provision of potable water and the achievement of the Ghana beyond aid agenda.

AMA

Earlier in the day, the President had inaugurated a three-storey office complex for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly near the Kinbu SHS in Accra.

In his address, the AMA Chief Executive, Nii Adjei Sorwah, commended his predecessors for the work they did on the project.

He explained that Nii Adjiri Blankson had secured the funding for the project, while Mr Alfred Oko Vanderpuje commenced the project.