I have taken observe of a compose up by Nii Lantey Vanderpuye on his Facebook webpage dated 21st Might, 2020 which has given that long gone viral after subsequent media engagements about tasks in our dear Odododiodioo Constituency, precisely the Jamestown Harbour. I will be incredibly short and straight to the issue.
I am writing this reaction to start with as an indigene of Ga Mashie and also in my ability as the Chairman of the Countrywide Premix Gas Committee, who has been component of the procedure considering the fact that this governing administration took office.
It is essential to note that all governments embark on developmental projects with the sole purpose of ensuring financial growth and assembly the developmental ambitions of its individuals.
The Genesis and funding of the Jamestown Project
It is not in question that the Jamestown Harbour undertaking has been on the drawing board considering that 1965. Govt right after govt have attempted to see it occur to fruition with 5 (5) distinctive sod-cuttings by diverse governments but none has witnessed precise construction.
On 28th May perhaps 2018, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Hon.Ken Ofori-Atta signed an settlement with China’s Ambassador to Ghana, Sunlight Baohong for the design of the $60 million Jamestown Fishing Harbour Complicated (JTFHC).
For every the settlement, the development of the JTFHC is envisioned to be carried out in 3 phases these are the dredging of about 118,000 cubic meters harbor basin and shipping and delivery channels, development of hydraulic buildings composed of berths of about 1,200 meters, seawall, a breakwater and the design of administration, generation and supporting facilities such as a kindergarten, fish market, and a processing spot.
Per the info above, it is as a result disingenuous for the MP to assert that the venture is remaining implemented through a personal loan facility secured below the erstwhile Mills/Mahama administration.
The fact is the project is getting executed beneath a GRANT facility arranged by the current Akufo-Addo led NPP administration from the Chinese governing administration.
It is a truth that Ghana acquired ONLY $600million as the first tranche of the $3billion CDB facility that the Hon. MP alluded to.
If in fact the Jamestown Harbour was captured in the second tranche which Ghana never ever obtained, then it goes to justify the fact that the endeavours of the NDC to have the job started turned out to be a fake pas and that NO funding was secured for the project.
For the Hon. MP to also propose that the original models and drawing of the task from 2011 ought to be maintained shows how outmoded and archaic his ideas are.
Consultations
It is also preposterous for the MP to say that the demolition training at the web site for the undertaking was done devoid of notices to the settlers there.
I can remember series of engagements at unique degrees that took position prior to the sod chopping by the President on 6th December, 2018.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly AMA and the Ghana Canoe Fishermen Council structured a durbar in Oct and November 2018 at the Jamestown Seaside to notify occupants about the undertaking.
As a need by law, notices have been posted on the buildings in early November of the exact same year. Two weeks afterwards, the AMA pulled the constructions down to pave way for the sod cutting.
As element of the consensus constructing, the Minister for Fisheries & Acquaculture, Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye led a delegation with the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah in November 2018, to call on the Chiefs of the Ga Common Council to clarify the job and informed them about the needed demolition to clear the web page.
A further delegation visited the Ngleshie Alata Classic Council for very same reason. The assistance of the Chiefs, Wulomei, Fisherfolk, youth and the total GaMashie was noticeable in their testimonies in the course of the sod slicing.
Given that then the Chinese consultants had been at the beach for even more studies and wrap up whiles mobilization to web-site was ongoing. We must emphasize the reality that physical task design delayed supplying way for a handful of folks to return to the internet site.
The AMA took the stress yet again in April, 2020 and wrote officially to remind all unauthorized occupants on the job site such as the Ghana Canoe Fishermen Council to eliminate their structures but that also fell on deaf ears.
The action of the AMA going in to crystal clear the site was important simply because the Chinese contractors have been in city for the previous few of months awaiting web-site clearing to pave way for the development.
It is instructive to note that the contractors are on site now performing for the realization of the venture. It is as a result untrue for the attention-trying to get MP to assert or even advise that minimal or no engagement in any respect was completed.
It is informative to be aware that the outbreak of the COVID-19 and subsequent limitations these kinds of as lockdown brought about the Minister for Transport to problem guidance of suspension of actions until the lockdown was lifted. This the AMA carried to the letter.
Double benchmarks
There is a robust place of etiquette about honouring invitations that are prolonged to persons.
How can an MP who has on a quantity of situations flagrantly turned down invites to community occasions turn round to say that he has by no means been invited to and for any conference for conversations and deliberations on this undertaking? Fact is, an invitation was despatched to him by the AMA for the sod slicing of the Jamestown Harbour but he did not demonstrate up.
He is on report to have turned down identical invites and stakeholder engagements like the current engagements with the Chiefs and people of GaMashie and another one for Ngleshie, for the development of the astro turfs. He somewhat despatched a representative.
In truth, he basically honored the invitation for the commissioning of the GCB sponsored refurbished Usher Poly Clinic & Jamestown Maternity Dwelling the place he exhibited his identified stripes at the time once more with his regular drama and penchant for confusion. In the conclude he walked absent without having taking part.
Gains of the Jamestown Harbor and other initiatives underneath design
The NPP authorities has the superior persons of Ga Mashie and Jamestown at coronary heart and will be certain that we obtain our truthful share of advancement.
Permit me point out that function has also started on the Salaga Market which had actually been left to rot for so several years.
On top of that, the building of astroturf football parks at Bukom and Mantse Agbonaa are also ongoing and will be finished within the next 4 months, ahead of schedule.
Ideally the completion of these jobs will convey back the economic atmosphere that the people today of Ga Mashie flourished in in the past.
This is not the time for a cry newborn MP who only comes to the fore when there is enhancement and the persons are pleased to search for needless interest.
In conclusion, I want to thank the people of Ga Mashie and all the persons that have produced it doable for us to get to this phase thank you all and God bless you.
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The creator Nii Bannerman is the chairman for the National Premix Fuel Committee.
