Elmina, Nov. 20, GNA - There was thunderous and spontaneous shouts of jubilation by the people of Elmina on Wednesday, when the President, John Agyekum Kufuor cut the sod for the construction of a modern fishing harbour valued at US$16 million.

The project also include US13million landing site for fishermen in the township.

Facilities for the two projects, when completed will include administration blocks, gear mending areas, toilet and changing rooms, standby generator, premix fuel depot, a cold store, refrigeration and blast freezing plants, as well as, a day care centre to cater for the children of fishmongers.

The two projects formed part of an overall programme by the government for the provision of 14 fishing harbours and landing sites, and six cold storage facilities along some coastal areas in the country, at a total cost of US$148 million, to facilitate improvement in the fisheries sector, and help boost the living standards in the various fishing communities in the country.

President Kufuor who described the Elmina projects as "significant" said they would help provide the environment for hygienic handling of fish, while facilities will also be made available for value to be added to the fish catch for both local and international markets. Touching on the reason for the setting up of the fisheries ministry by his administration, President Kufuor said the main focus was to arrest the stunted growth of the fishing industry in Ghana to help reduce poverty in the fishing communities.

President Kufuor said one of the challenges facing the ministry was poor fishing infrastructure, and stressed that the Ministry in addition to the provision of the modern harbours and landing sites, would soon introduce fibre glass boats to replace wooden canoes, to modernize the industry to make it economically vibrant. On the December elections, he reiterated that Ghana was a peaceful country and that the elections would not be any different from the previous ones and asked the electorate to shun politicians who want to cause mayhem in society with their utterances.

He noted that the country was enjoying a lot of goodwill and attracting foreign assistance because of good governance, and urged all Ghanaians to watch their utterances to forestall any acts of violence and chaos.

The sector Minister, Mrs Gladys Asmah echoed the government's commitment to better the lot of fishing communities in the country and stressed that her Ministry will continue to undertake pragmatic projects to help achieve its vision of a modern vibrant fisheries sector for the country.

The paramount Chief of Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Condua VI expressed his appreciation to President Kufuor for the numerous projects his administration has undertaken in the area. 20 Nov. 08