In a historic moment for the coastal community of Jamestown, Accra, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the long-awaited Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday,  September 13, 2024.

The completion of this significant project, which has been in the making for decades, represents the fulfilment of a promise made by the Akufo-Addo government to revitalize Ghana’s fishing industry and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, a state-of-the-art facility, has been eagerly anticipated since the 1960s, when discussions of constructing a modern fishing port for the area first began.

 For years, these plans remained unrealized, leaving the people of Jamestown and the broader Ga community with unmet expectations.

Today, however, the harbour stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to action, with President Akufo-Addo proudly delivering on a decades-old promise.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the new facility.

 “This moment is the culmination of years of effort and the realization of a long-held dream that began as far back as 1965. Promises were made, hopes were raised, but no substantial action was taken—until now. Today, we move beyond rhetoric to action,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo, who has personal ties to the Jamestown area, having grown up in the nearby Korle Wokon, expressed his deep satisfaction in bringing this project to fruition. 

He recalled the day in December 2018 when he cut the sod for the project, however he was doubted on his ability to deliver the promise.

“In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress, and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfilment of that commitment,” he noted with pride.

The newly constructed fishing harbour is expected to transform the local economy, generating employment, improving the lives of fisherfolk, and boosting domestic fish production. 

The President highlighted the socio-economic significance of the project, stating, “This port is a symbol of hope, proof of the resilience and determination of our people, and a concrete manifestation of what we can achieve when we work together for the common good.”

“This is not just a building; it is an investment in the future of this community. The inclusion of daycare centres demonstrates a governance of compassion, one that empowers women and strengthens families,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

The commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour follows the successful completion of the Elmina Fishing Port in May 2023, another landmark project under the Akufo-Addo administration aimed at transforming Ghana’s fishing industry. The President underscored his government’s understanding of the critical role agriculture and fisheries play in Ghana’s economy, noting that the fishing sector supports over 2.6 million livelihoods and contributed US$263.2 million to the nation’s GDP in 2020.

“This harbour is not just a monument to progress; it is a vital lifeline for socio-economic empowerment, job creation, and improved livelihoods. We are investing in superior infrastructure to reduce post-catch losses, improve fish catches, and reduce our dependence on imported fish,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

During the construction phase of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, some 500 direct jobs were created, with expectations for more as the facility becomes fully operational. The harbour’s completion is also expected to revitalise the entire community, sparking economic activity and growth in the region.

President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to the Ga Mantse, the chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their unwavering faith in his government. He also acknowledged the support of the People’s Republic of China, particularly President Xi Jinping, for their contributions to the project.

 Additionally, the President commended Ambassador Edward Boateng and former High Commissioner Isaac Osei for their instrumental roles in bringing the project to life.

The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is a landmark achievement in President Akufo-Addo’s broader agenda of infrastructural development aimed at improving Ghana’s socio-economic landscape. As the people of Jamestown celebrate the fulfilment of this long-standing promise, the harbour stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for the future.

The harbour, which is equipped with a range of modern facilities, is designed to address some of the long-standing challenges faced by Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector. 

These include the safe launching and landing of canoes, improved fish handling, and enhanced storage capacities. 

Notable features of the port include a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, and market stalls, among others. A daycare centre has also been included to support women traders, allowing them to conduct their business with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe.

The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.

According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.

This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).

It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”

Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.

She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.

She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.

Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.

Prof Appau  said the challenges faced with  addressing  suicide  issues were  multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited  access to mental health  services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.

She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.

Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources. 

She said a total of 81 persons have  committed  suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts  across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts  and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.

Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.

Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.

By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu