The Japan Government’s commitment in expanding the Sekondi fishing harbor has regained some progress with the second phase of the expansion project underway in Sekondi, Western region of Ghana.

The objective of the Sekondi fishing harbor expansion is primarily geared towards strengthening the capacity and functions of Sekondi fishing harbor through improvement and expansion of harbor facilities for promoting efficient coastal fishery operations.

The background of the fisheries expansion in Sekondi was requested by the Government of Ghana under the Japanese Grant Aid to the Government of Japan in 2010 and 2013 to enhance effective activities of fisher folks in the municipality, congestion of the mitigation of the harbor and the function recovery from related activities.

The second phase of the project which is expected to end by December 2017 involves a Grant amount of 2,169,000,000 Japanese Yen-equivalent to 20 million US dollars.

It is expected to increase the access driveway berthing of the previous 50 inshore vessels to around 106 vessels.

Again the project expansion seeks to increase the capacity of a ice making plant which will be of immense benefits to the fisher folks. The creation of landing sites is also expected to expand under the second phase of expansion.

Speaking to the press on the progress of work, leading official of the Sekondi fishing harbor-Captain Kojo Afadzi was of the optimism that the project would hugely benefit the municipality. He again was of the utmost belief that the sustainability of the project would be fully adhered to.

The implementation agency –JICA represented by Tomonari Takeuchi, expressed his satisfaction at the progress of work and believed all measures would be taken to make the project a success.

The Japan Government, represented by a delegation from the Japanese Embassy in Accra, organized a Press Tour to inspect the progress of work on the site.

Ghana has benefitted from the Japan Government ranging from Health, Education, and Agriculture etc enhancing the quality bond between the two countries who by extension would be celebrating 60 years of relationship.