One hundred and fifty thousand jobs are expected to be realised from the construction stage to the operational stage of the Marine Drive Project, President Akufo-Addo has disclosed.
Expressing his appreciation to all who have, in diverse ways, helped to ensure that the Marine Drive Tourism Enclave becomes reality, the President was expectant that the project will be completed on time, and within the stipulated construction period.
“I am confident that all of us, gathered here, will be present again here, very soon, for the commissioning of this project”, he added.
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Friday, 15th December, 2017, when he cut the sod for the construction of the Marine Drive Investment Project.
The project, situated on a total of 248 acres of land, is a Public-Private Partnership, will boost tourism, create jobs for the youth, especially those within the catchment area, and increase economic growth.
Commending the Minister for Tourism, Catherine Afeku, MP, for bringing this initiative to reality, President Akufo-Addo recounted the pledge to revive the country’s tourism, made by the New Patriotic Party and himself, in the run-up to the December 2016 elections.
“Today, we begin the realization of this pledge, with the construction of the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project. We are all aware how countries all over the world, particularly our neighbours in West Africa, have made good use of their beachfronts, and, as a result, rake in considerable revenues for the development of their communities and countries. We intend to go down that path,” the President said.
With the conception of this project dating back to the time of independence, President Akufo-Addo stated that “I am happy that, in spite of the many unsuccessful efforts made in the past to undertake this project, today, we are beginning this project.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and tradition leaders of the GA State for amicably resolving all pressing issues that have stalled the realization of the project to date. He urged the Chiefs to continue with their support for the project until its completion.
He continued, “It is noteworthy, also, that the required consultations have been done prior to this ceremony. I am happy to hear that the Chiefs have given their full support to the project, and that their concerns have been addressed. Nii mei, wƆn da nyɛ shi.”
Typical of projects such as this, planners, most often than not, consider only the economic or financial benefits.
“In ensuring that was not the case in this project, the architects and planners have ensured that the interests of the public have been factored into the design. They have put in place a network of well-connected, multi-use public spaces, that fit with the surrounding communities,” he noted.
The President continued, “The architects, Messrs David Adjaye and Associates, featuring the renowned, world-acclaimed Ghanaian architect, Sir David Adjaye, have also included, in this project, a Theme Park, in honour of the founding fathers of our nation, the legendary ‘Big Six’.”
This Park, the President explained, “will be a monument that will celebrate their contribution towards the liberation of our country from colonialism and foreign domination.”
Marine Drive Project
Speaking on the tourism and creative arts industry before Parliament during the presentation of the 2018 fiscal year budget, Finance Minister, Mr. Ofori Atta told the House that government will kick-start the Accra Marine Drive tourism investment project covering over 240 acres of land from the Osu Christianborg Castle to the Arts Centre area in the Greater Accra region.
This he said, will transform the area into a tourism enclave that will create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Wilberforce Asare
