Elmina fisher folks want fishing plant project to proceed

Canoe owners, fishermen and fishmongers in Elmina in the Central Region are asking the government to expedite the construction of a proposed fish processing plant.

Government has commissioned the project, however, the traditional council led by its president and Omanhen of Elmina, Nana Kwodwo Conduah, is demanding further consultations because it does not approve of the proposed site.

The fishermen say they are worried following comments by Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah that the project would be on hold until matters concerning the proposed land had been resolved.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Fishermen for Elmina, Nana Kofi Ackonu said the project site was not too far from the Elmina fishing port and the project was expected to create employment for the youth of the area.

Nana Ackonu said government must fulfil its promise to the people of Elmina by going ahead with the proposed project.

The plant will process fish for the market and also process fish meal for poultry and livestock, among other services.

The fishermen chanted solidarity songs, shouting that they want the project to proceed at all cost.