By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Nov 22, GNA – Fisherfolks along the coastal belt of the Volta Region have been urged to maintain the best fishing practices for a successful and progressive fishing business.
Good fishing methods would increase productivity, better yields, and protect aquatic animals.
Mr Vans Kwaku Adedze, the Public Relations Officer of Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, to commemorate this year’s ‘World Fisheries Day,’ applauded fisherfolks for keeping the fishing business alive for the past years.
“World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on November 21, and today we reflect on the inclusive vital roles fisherfolks played in sustainable global economy especially in a higher yield production that gave strength to the fishing business,” he said.
He stated that the theme for World Fisheries Day 2024, was “Blue Transformation in Action: Sustainability and Empowerment,” which highlighted the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches to fishery management by both government, fishing associations and individuals.
He said that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is a ministry in the Ghanaian government that concentrates on carrying out development interventions to move the fisheries sector and the industry to contribute efficiently to the overall development of the Ghana’s economy and all should support to boost fishing.
Mr Adedze said that the annual observance which was initiated in 2014 by the Ministry of Fisheries was to honour and highlight the invaluable contributions of fisherfolks and fish farmers in fostering global solidarity in stakeholders in the fisheries sector economy.
“I can tell you that, 30 per cent of Ghana’s population is the fishermen along the coastal belt, and our productivity has played a great impact in developing the nation, we need more help from government to improve and increase productivity.”
He appealed to the government and other benevolent associations to help solve some pressing challenges which include lack of available funds for fishing, inadequate premix fuel, among others to increase productivity.
He also commended the government through the Ministry of fisheries and aquaculture development for the ‘close fishing season’ initiative that provided relief for aquatic animals to multiply and urged all fisherfolks to always abide by the fishing rules and regulations to avoid any punishment.
He appealed to the government to implement more and better laws that would govern the fishing business and totally eradicate the bad methods which include the use of monofilament net, unregistered canoes, use of carbide, among others.
He said World ‘Fisheries Day’ was to celebrate all gallant fishermen and the public should prioritise fishing and honour the dedication of fishing communities and their contributions to the economy and support them to increase productivity.
GNA