By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Vodza (VR), Nov 26, GNA- The Fisherfolk Sustainability Network (FSN), an NGO, has launched a safety initiative for artisanal fishers at Vodza in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region to reduce fatalities and promote sustainable fishing practices.
The initiative, included implementing sea safety protocols, emergency response measures, and provision of essential safety equipment such as life jackets and hand flares.
Mr Owusu Danso, the FSN’s Base Commander, during a ceremony at Vodza beach, stated that it was important to take sea safety seriously and urged the fisherfolks to always wear life jackets properly during emergencies.
“The event we had today at Vodza Landing Beach in Keta, also marked FSN’s official outdooring and we included community training to equip artisanal fishers with practical safety knowledge,” he said.
Mr Danso explained that FSN’s work focused on education, advocacy and capacity-building to promote safer fishing practices as the organisation acknowledged the numerous risks artisanal fishers faced and was committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all the people.
He said the safety initiative was part of FSN’s broader mission to enhance welfare and sustainability across Ghana’s fisheries value chain and prioritising safety measures would help reduce the number of unfortunate incidents befalling fisherfolks at sea.
“We notice that this initiative is crucial for the artisanal fishing communities where safety measures are often lacking. FSN’s efforts are expected to make a significant impact on reducing fatalities and promoting sustainable fishing.”
Mr Danso said the initiative focused on addressing rising fatalities among fisherfolk across the country while the event underscored the importance of collaboration between organisations and fishing communities to address safety concerns and the steps to ensure that Ghana’s artisanal fishers worked safely and sustainably.
Mr Victor Dzokoto, Volta Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, on behalf of the fishing association, commended FSN’s life-saving efforts and encouraged canoe owners to prioritise safety by acquiring additional life jackets.
He said similar initiatives were being explored globally, such as US-supported workshops in the Philippines, empowering fisherfolk with sustainable fishing knowledge and maritime rights awareness.
Mr Dzokoto emphasised that the FSN’s safety initiative, which indicated the importance of prioritising safety and sustainability in artisanal fishing, would serve as a model for other fishing communities.
Mr Richmond Jiage, Chief Fisherman of Adzido, just like other fisherfolks who spoke with the Ghana News Agency, expressed gratitude for the life jackets donated and other supports provided by FSN and promised to utilise the items effectively.
He appealed to other organisations, individuals, philanthropists and the government to support fishing businesses and continue the education on proper life jacket use, among others, to prevent avoidable deaths and other unfortunate happenings during fishing expeditions.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah