Anomabo Fisheries College: Theft and Abandonment Mar Project*

By: Isaac Dei

The Anomabo Fisheries College project, initiated in 2011, has been plagued by delays and abandonment. Despite President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to complete the project, the site remains unfinished, with materials being stolen and contractors seemingly absent.

A Visit to the Project Site

A recent visit to the project site revealed a bleak picture. Weeds have overgrown the area, pavement blocks are scattered around, and a powerful electricity transformer lies idle in the bush. Air conditioners and scientific equipment are locked away in a room, decaying. The only signs of activity are some broken-down vehicles and a few diggings in front of the proposed Administration block.

Community Leader’s Plea

Nana Kweku Aminsah Haggan, the royal family leader of the Buranamoah community, expressed frustration over the project’s stagnation. “We were optimistic when the president visited us, but now we’re losing hope,” he said. “Some of the building materials are being stolen, and we need contractors on site to get the project moving.” Haggan also appealed to the government to provide proper documentation for the land and assist the community with basic needs like portable water.

Government’s Promise

In February, President Mahama instructed the Minister of Fisheries, Emelia Arthur, to work with the Finance Minister to secure funding for the project’s completion. The government promised to allocate funds for the project in the 2025 budget, but four months have passed since then, and little progress has been made.

The Cost of Delay

The Anomabo Fisheries College is designed to accommodate 300 students and promote sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture education. Its completion is crucial for Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. However, the ongoing delays and theft of materials threaten to derail the project, potentially wasting the significant investments already made.

Key Issues:

• Project Status: Abandoned and unfinished, with materials being stolen
• Government’s Response: Promised to allocate funds for completion, but progress is slow
• Community’s Concerns: Frustration over stagnation, plea for contractors to be brought on site
• Importance: Crucial for Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, potential to accommodate 300 students.