Cabinet approves $235 million for building 10 fishing harbours

GNA – The Government has approved $235 million dollars for the construction of 10 Coastal Fishing Harbours and Landing Sites, as part of its vision to transform the fishing industry.

This follows a recent Cabinet approval to the Commercial and Financial Agreement for the construction of the projects.

Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, announced this at the bi-weekly media briefing, in Accra on Wednesday.

He said Cabinet had, consequently, made a recommendation to Parliament for consideration and approval of funds for the projects.

The sites are Teshie in the Greater Accra Region, Axim and Dixcove in the Western Region; Elmina, Moree, Winneba, Mumford, Senya-Beraku and Gomoa- Fetteh in the Central Region; and Keta in the Volta Region.

The Information Minister said the project was intended to safeguard the launching and landing for artisanal fishing and canoes.

“It is also aimed at creating and maintaining a hygienic environment for the processing and handling of fish, as well as preventing and minimising post harvest losses and adding value to the fish from artisanal fishermen,” he added.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the contribution of the fisheries sector to the Ghanaian economy and foreign exchange earnings accrued to the nation, saying it contributed three percent to country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

The sector, he said, provided employment opportunities for fishermen, boatyard workers, suppliers of auxiliary goods and services, adding that it was estimated that up to 12 per cent of the total national fish product was exported.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah explained that the implementation of the project formed part of the New Patriotic Party’s 2016 Manifesto, captured under “Agriculture and Rural Development”.

GNA