The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, together with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has undertaken a working visit to the Jamestown Fishing Harbour to assess ongoing operations and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
The inspection forms part of the government’s reset agenda under John Dramani Mahama, which seeks to revitalise key sectors of the economy while improving livelihoods within coastal fishing communities.
The Ministers were joined by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, and the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport (Ghana), William Kartey.
They were received by the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, alongside the Director of Port, Tema, Tebon Zumah, and management of the Authority.
Addressing stakeholders during the visit, Emelia Arthur explained that the joint inspection by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (Ghana) and the Ministry of Transport (Ghana) demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring the harbour and ensuring that it functions effectively to support fishing activities.
According to her, the harbour remains a critical hub for artisanal fishing operations and plays an essential role in sustaining the livelihoods of fishermen, fish processors, traders and other actors along the fisheries value chain.
The delegation also engaged traditional fishing leaders including Nii Abeo Kyerekwandah and Nii Englishi, who shared insights on challenges confronting fishermen operating at the harbour.
During the inspection, attention was drawn to key infrastructure concerns such as the condition of the harbour’s breakwater, dredging requirements, landing and market areas, as well as water supply challenges affecting daily fishing activities.
The Ministers toured several facilities at the Jamestown Fishing Harbour including the cold storage facility, fish market and fish processing centre to evaluate their current condition and explore opportunities for rehabilitation and improved utilisation.
Emelia Arthur noted that the visit forms part of broader efforts by government to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, enhance security at landing sites and promote sustainable employment opportunities within coastal communities.
She emphasised that improving the operational efficiency of the harbour will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve fish handling and storage practices, and contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s fisheries industry.
