Accra, Nov. 14, GNA- Construction of an ultra modern fishing harbour at James Town beach in Accra would begin by March next year to harness government's efforts to boost revenue and the fishing industry. The Chinese Government is funding the 120 million dollars project, which would be constructed along with other harbours along the coast. A sample of the architectural design was presented to residents of James Town on Wednesday to explain the essence of the project and invite inputs from the local people.

Mr Kofi Poku Adusei, Deputy Minister of Fisheries said government considered the fishing industry as an important sector, which should be developed to generate more income, considering the fact that about 10 per cent of the population was engaged in it. He said Ghana was fortunate to be the only country along the Atlantic Ocean to have tuna, and promoting this species alone could go a long way to assist the country.

Mr. Ben Reeskamp, Manager for Ports and Harbours, DHV, Holland, consultants for the project explained that the harbour would include a break water to ensure safety and easy offload of fishes, an ice plant, a net mending centre and an administration block. He said it would also have a petrol filling point; a paved area and other facilities that would provide strict hygienic conditions to enable fishermen export to meet the European market standard. Mr Reeskamp said DHV had also involved an environment assessment team to ensure that the project was undertaken within environmental requirements and standards. Nii Teiko Tagoe, Project Director for Old Accra Project called on the people to cooperate with government and relocate when the time was due.

He said the beach was not a personal property but that of the country which would be beneficial to all. He said the project could also help boost tourism revenue, since there would be hospitality services within the facility to provide the needed services to tourists who would like to live along the beaches. The resident recommended the establishment of storage facilities, a health centre, shops for petty traders as well as an early childhood development centre. 14 Nov. 07