Anomabo Fisheries College Project Plagued by Theft, Neglect

By Isaac Dadzie 

The Chief of Buranamoah, the host community of the Anomabo Fisheries College project in the Central Region, has issued a passionate appeal to the government to expedite work on the stalled educational facility, citing increasing theft of building materials and general neglect at the site.

The plea comes months after President John Dramani Mahama, during his “Thank You” tour of the Central Region on February 6, 2025, reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the long-abandoned project. The president had instructed the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, to work closely with the Finance Minister to secure the necessary funds to complete the first phase of the project.

“It is only furniture, teaching materials, and the campus roadwork that remain,” President Mahama assured at the time. “I have instructed the Fisheries Minister to take immediate action. Once we finish phase one, we will focus on phase two.”

However, a visit by this reporter, revealed a disturbing lack of progress. Despite the presidential directive and the 2025 budget presentation in March, which was expected to factor in funding for the project, the site remains largely dormant.

Overgrown weeds now blanket the premises. Pavement blocks lie scattered and abandoned. A new but unused electricity transformer sits deep in the bush, surrounded by silence. Air-conditioners, motorized machines, and sophisticated scientific equipment meant for the college have been left locked in storage, some visibly deteriorating.

The only signs of past or present contractor activity were broken-down vehicles and excavated patches of land in front of the proposed administration block.

Speaking in an interview, Nana Kweku Aminsah Haggan, a leader of the royal family in Buranamoah, lamented the inaction and growing hopelessness among residents.

“When the president visited, we were filled with hope. Today, we are losing that hope, and it is very worrying,” he said.
“Some of the building materials are now being stolen. It is not safe to leave this project hanging like this. We need contractors back on site as soon as possible.”

Nana Aminsah also appealed to the government to assist the community with documentation for the land granted for the college and to address urgent developmental needs, including access to potable water and basic social amenities.

The uncompleted Anomabo Fisheries College, originally envisioned as a center of excellence in aquaculture and fisheries science, has long been seen as a catalyst for economic growth and youth empowerment in the coastal belt. The growing neglect and security lapses now risk not only financial losses but also the erosion of public trust in the government’s commitment to rural development.

With the project now turning into a target for thieves and overgrowth, the people of Buranamoah and Anomabo are urging immediate and visible action to complete the long-awaited college and protect the investment made so far.