President Nana Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Elmina Fishing Port rehabilitation and expansion project on May 27. The project, valued at €85 million, was completed within 30 months and aims to enhance the fishing industry, tourism, and the salt industry in Elmina and the Central Region of Ghana.
The extensive facility includes a 450-meter breakwater on the south side and a 160-meter breakwater on the north side, providing deep marine access and ensuring long-term sustainability. The port features a 65,000-square-meter basin with excavated depths of three to five meters, along with 400 meters of quay walls and an 80-meter dock for tourists near Elmina Castle.
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Other key components of the project comprise an administrative building, a new fish market, a net mending area, an auction hall, ablution facilities, restrooms, and a daycare center. The International Marine and Dredging Consultants (IMDC) served as the consulting engineers, while Bellsea Limited handled most of the marine and civil operations.
President Akufo-Addo commended the collaboration between the chiefs, people of Elmina, and various contractors, emphasizing the creation of employment opportunities. He refuted claims by former President John Mahama that the project was politically motivated, highlighting its prompt completion as evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry and its workers.
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The President expressed optimism that the port’s development, coupled with other ongoing landing beach projects in strategic locations along the Ghanaian coast, would boost fisherman’s income, reduce post-harvest losses, and decrease reliance on imported fish in the medium to long term. The fishing sector contributes approximately 11% to Ghana’s GDP and employs about 30% of the country’s workforce.
Additional landing beaches in Mumford, Winneba, Senya Bereku, Gomoa Feteh, Teshie, James Town, and Keta are at various stages of completion to further strengthen Ghana’s coastal infrastructure.
