The touristic economic potential, besides fishing, of the new Elmina Fishing Harbour was made a reality on Thursday 18th April, 2024 by Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s progressive decision that resulted in a successful maiden cruise vessel call by SH VEGA cruise ship.
The remarkable 113m long cruise vessel, disembarked 115 passengers by zodiac boats into the Elmina Fishing Harbour.
The Acting Director of the Port of Takoradi, Peter Amoo-Bediako whose purview includes the Elmina Fishing Harbour, spoke about the significance of this successful maiden cruise vessel call at the Elmina Fishing Harbour.
“This also positions the port which was initially built to focus on facilitation of fish activities to now serve the dual purpose which is that, now we can use the Elmina fishing harbour to also attract tourists to Ghana.
The norm has always been that, first, they will call Tema port, Takoradi port or vice versa and then they will leave the shores of Ghana but now Elmina has been added to the list. They can call Tema or Takoradi first, and then anchor at the anchorage of Elmina fishing Harbour to also tour the tourist sites in the Central region,” he said.
The GPHA Acting Director of Port of Takoradi, Peter Amo Bediako was full of commendation for state agencies and stakeholders whose positive collaboration contributed to the success of the historic maiden cruise vessel call at the Elmina Fishing Harbour.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Komenda, Edina, Eguafo, and Abirem (KEEA) promised to create the conducive environment needed to encourage and sustain subsequent cruise vessel calls at Elmina.
“This is a big gift that we have received from GPHA, looking at the local economy itself and looking at Elmina being a tourist city,” he said.
The Harbour Master of the Port of Takoradi, Capt. Daniel Quartey, stated that a lot of planning and preparations were carried out for 3 months to make the event a success.
The Elmina Fishing Harbour Manager, Mohammed Obosu said the calling of the cruise ship portends positive signals for the fishing harbour.
