President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Saturday observed ongoing work on the development of the Elmina Fishing Harbour, during his two-day working visit to the Central Region.
The Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, informed President Akufo-Addo that the project is currently 91% complete, following the completion of the south and north breakwaters, sheet piling, dredging, scour and ploughing, and reclamation operations.
According to the minister, civil infrastructure works such as buildings, pavement, roads, and stormwater construction are now underway and will be completed on time.
“The ongoing construction of the breakwaters, quay walls, civil buildings, together with the dredging and reclamation works of the new port basin will guarantee the sustainable revitalization of Elmina and the long-term development of this strategic port,” Mr. Asiamah said.
The Elmina Fishing Port Rehabilitation and Expansion Project aims at appropriate amenities, berthing space, and the creation of a deep marine access to ensure the Elmina harbour’s long-term viability.
Furthermore, the project will boost Elmina’s position in the fishing and salt sectors, as well as placing the city at the core of the Akufo-Addo’s government cultural objectives, making it one of Ghana’s most vibrant coastal cities.
Overall, the 30-month project which commenced on August 1 2020, will see to renovate existing facilities such as the administration building, slipways, workshop, and port maintenance dredging.
Secondly, the project will feature the development of a new fishing harbour, which will comprise a primary breakwater and a quay wall to allow larger fishing vessels to safely anchor and offload, as well as a dedicated access road to the Port and a warehouse.
Other new development includes a shed for the fish market, a shed for fishing net mending, two cold stores/ice factories, a new slipway for larger vessels with a boat refurbishment area, a toilet block, and a day care center.
To boost tourism, the project will also undertake beach and coastal protection work, as well as rehabilitation of the area in front of the Elmina Castle.
