The Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurance recently visited the Elmina Fish Processing Plant in Ghana’s Central Region to assess the challenges facing the facility and seek viable solutions. Constructed by Expotec International Limited of India at a cost of $7.8 million, with funding from the EXIM Bank of India, the plant has remained unused since its commissioning in 2016.
Led by Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the Chairperson of the Committee, and Mr. John Kwabena Bless Oti, the Ranking Member, the delegation undertook a two-day working visit to the region to gain insights into the fisheries sector’s activities.
During the visit, Mr. Enoch Boadu Amoh, a Director at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, guided the committee members. He explained that after the plant’s commissioning, it was entrusted to a private individual for management. However, it was soon discovered that the ice block chamber did not meet the required standards.
The plant comprised an ice block making facility and 40 cubicles of cold storerooms. Notably, the initial design did not include an effluent treatment plant for fish waste management. Despite this oversight, the project proceeded as planned, with intentions to add the effluent treatment plant in the second phase.
Mr. Amoh stated that officials from the EXIM Bank of India visited Ghana in 2020 and 2021 to inspect the project. Subsequently, the Ministry submitted a proposal for the second phase, which necessitated the inclusion of a treatment plant and a warehouse. The Environmental Protection Agency mandates the presence of an effluent treatment plant before fish processing can commence.
Regarding funding, Mr. Amoh revealed that the total project funding amounted to approximately $11 million, with the plant costing $7.8 million. With approximately $2.63 million remaining, it was agreed that the outstanding work could be completed to make the facility operational.
During their visit, the committee also toured the Anomabo Fisheries College to assess the progress of its construction. Mr. Richard Abbey, the Consultant overseeing the project, informed the members that work was nearing completion and the college would be ready for use by the end of the year.
Mrs. Appiagyei highlighted that the Committee’s visit to the Elmina Fish Processing Plant aimed to verify the assurance given by the Fisheries Minister in 2021, stating that no efforts would be spared to revive the plant. However, the committee noted that the assurance had not been realized, leading them to plan on inviting the Minister to provide an update on the plant’s current state.
Source: GNA
