As part of government’s vision to transform Ghana’s fishing industry as previously stated in the NPP’s 2016 manifesto, under Agriculture and Rural Development, on pages 18 and 19, Parliament is set to approve 235 million dollars submitted by Cabinet for the construction of 10 fishing harbours and landing sites for coastal areas across the country.
Speaking to a group of media personnel at the bi-weekly briefings, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed that there has been a Cabinet approval to the commercial and financial agreement for the project and was awaiting confirmation from the house for them to commence.
The ten identified sites where the landing sites and related facilities will be constructed include;
Teshie - Greater Accra Region
Axim - Western Region
Dixcove - Western Region
Elmina - Central Region
Winneba - Central Region
Mumford - Central Region
Senya- Bereku - Central Region
Fetteh-Gomah - Central Region
Moree - Central Region
Keta - Volta Region
He explained that “The development of the fish landing sites and ports is aimed at ensuring safe guard launching and landing of particularly, artisanal fishing and canoes
It is also aimed at creating and maintaining a hygienic environment for the processing and handling of fish.
Preventing and minimising post-harvest losses and adding value to the fish caught by artisanal fishermen.”
“The fisheries sector plays a major role in the Ghanaian national economy. It contributes to 3% of GDP and also has significant indirect contributions to the economy. These include employment opportunities for marine fishermen, boat-yards workers, suppliers of auxiliary goods, services etc and exporting of the fish products to earn foreign exchange for the country.
It is estimated that up to 12% of total national fish product is exported. The completion of this project is expected to increase exports volumes and directly increase the foreign exchange earnings of the country.” He further added.
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