Ultramodern fish processing factory opened at Elmina

Elmina (C/R), March 21, GNA - The Minister of Fisheries, Mrs Gladys Asmah on Tuesday inaugurated a two point five million-dollar ultramodern fish-processing factory dubbed "CG Elmina" at Elmina.

Covering a landscape of 10,000 square metres with a staff of 40 the factory consist of a processing plant, a 400-ton capacity cold store, a 20-ton flake ice maker and an office as well as living accommodation. Owned by the China International Fisheries Corporation (CIFC) and the Lisk family of Legon Fisheries, the factory the first of its kind in the country would process fish both for the local market and export. Speaking at the ceremony Mrs Asmah expressed the hope that the efforts of the company would go a long way to boost the government's efforts in making the private sector the engine of growth. She stated that the Ministry was established to ensure the development and modernisation of the fishing industry to create jobs and wealth for the people.

It is for this reason that the Ministry had initiated a number of programmes and projects in fishing communities to enhance their living conditions, Mrs Asmah said.

The Minister said the government had distributed 600 outboard motors valued a 13.8 billion cedis to fishing groups on hire purchase and disbursed 11.1 billion cedis to about 5,000 fishmongers as micro-credit. The Ministry had concluded an arrangement with the Spanish government for the provision of cold storage facilities in six communities including Shama, New Takoradi, Moree, Gomoa-Nyanyano and Senya-Bereku at a cost of seven million Euro to ensure food security.

The Ministry has concluded a bilateral agreement with another development partner for the construction of fishing harbours in six fishing communities including Elmina, Mrs Asmah stated.

It was also in contact with a number of institutions in China, Israel, South Korea and the United Kingdom for Aqua-cultural development in the country.

Land had already been acquired at Beposo in the Western Region for Tilapia production, the Minister said and disclosed that part of the fish from the project would be used to feed the Elmina Fish Processing factory.

Mr Zhang Keyuan, Chinese Ambassador, said apart from enhancing bilateral relations between China and Ghana, the factory would also help create employment.

He described the CIFC as a vibrate company, which would play an important role in Ghana's fishing industry.

The Chinese Ambassador said apart from supporting Ghana in the areas of road construction, hospitals and the Bui-Hydro-plant, China would soon introduce a new hybrid rice in the country, which could double local production.

He said China and Ghana had so many things in common and stressed the commitment of his country to support Africa particularly Ghana. Nana Ato Arthur, Central Regional Minister, thanked the chiefs and people of Elmina for the land and expressed happiness that the factory has been established in the region.

He urged the people to consider the factory as their own and to work honestly to ensure that its objectives were met for the mutual benefit of all.

Mr Chen Shulin, Chairman of CIFC, said the establishment of the factory had opened a new chapter in the history of China and Ghana relations and commended the government, chiefs and people of Elmina and the Ministry of Fisheries for their support.

Mr Eugene Adakwa-Addai, Quality Control Manager of the Ghana Standards Board, asked the management to put in place measures to ensure hygienic conditions at the factory to ensure food safety He also advised them to employ qualified and competent professionals to manage the factory and to ensure regular technical training for the staff.

Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, Omanhene of Edina Traditional Area, thanked the company for selecting Elmina for the factory and stressed that it would go long way to reduce post harvest loses in the area and increase the income of fishermen.

He appealed to the company to help in the training of local fishermen in modern methods of fishing.