By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Aug. 26, GNA – The Canoe and Fishing Gears Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has deepened its partnership with the Blue Ventures Conservation following a 10-day working visit by officials of the organisation to Ghana.
CaFGOAG, in a statement signed by its national president, Nana Kweigyah, said the association was honoured to host the visiting team from Blue Ventures Conservation, led by the Chief Programme Officer, Mr Stephen James Box.
It added that during their mission to Ghana from August 17 to 26, 2025, they engaged with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, fishers’ associations, and other government agencies and fisheries stakeholders to explore opportunities for partnerships.
It noted that as an association representing artisanal fishers, CaFGOAG recognises the immense value of partnerships that aim to strengthen the resilience of fishing communities, adding that the visit provided an important platform to highlight both the challenges and the potential within the artisanal fisheries sector, including safeguarding marine resources and addressing illegal fishing practices to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, and build sustainable fisheries for coastal communities.
It added that CaFGOAG appreciates the commitment of Blue Ventures Conservation to engage directly with fishing communities, strengthen capacities of fishers, and promote communities’ participation in data collection and financial inclusion to improve living conditions in coastal communities.
“The willingness of the team to listen and explore ways of empowering fishers demonstrates a shared vision of inclusive sustainable ocean governance.”
The association added that it looks forward to deepening collaboration with Blue Ventures Conservation, the government of Ghana, institutions, and other stakeholders to advance initiatives that support responsible and sustainable fishing practices, enhance social and economic opportunities in coastal communities, and ensure that fishers remain at the centre of decision-making processes that affect their livelihoods.
It stated that as a member of the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition, CaFGOAG remained committed to working in partnership with Blue Ventures Conservation and other partners to secure a brighter and more sustainable future for Ghana’s artisanal fisheries sector.
It appreciated Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, various institutions, fishers’ organisations and civic society organisations for the warm reception and finding time to meet with the visiting team.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie