Frustrated fishers from the Central, Western, and Greater Accra regions on Friday staged a protest in Elmina, demanding urgent dredging works at the harbour to prevent accidents and protect their livelihoods.
The demonstration followed the sinking of Joy George, the harbour’s second-largest vessel, which went under after striking an underwater boulder. Although no casualties were reported, the incident heightened concerns about hazardous navigation routes.
Elmina Harbour, a hub for the artisanal fishing industry, hosts hundreds of canoes and boats daily. However, heavy sandbar buildup and sedimentation have restricted access, rendering it unsafe for larger vessels, despite an €85 million upgrade completed in 2023.
Fisherfolk warned that without regular dredging, the harbour would gradually lose its ability to accommodate large vessels, which could reduce fish catches, damage boats, and worsen food insecurity..
They urged authorities to act quickly, stressing that the fishing industry, which sustains thousands of families and boosts the local economy, was at risk.
The government has pledged to enhance the harbour with breakwaters and new facilities. However, the fishers argue that dredging is the most urgent priority to protect their existing investments.
An official of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), who declined to be named, reassured the protesters that the process was still a government priority.
“Procurement for the dredging began some time ago, but the government transition caused a halt, and we had to restart the process.”
“Thorough evaluations are now ongoing, and I can assure you that dredging the port remains a government priority,” the official said.
