By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Dec. 03, GNA — The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has hailed the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs of Ghana’s Parliament, for historically inviting artisanal fishers for the 2026 budget hearing.
CaFGOAG noted that this was the first time fishers had been invited for a budget hearing for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
The association stated in a press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that their participation signaled a bold shift toward inclusive and participatory fisheries governance and reflected the spirit and intent of the Fisheries Co-Management Policy, which recognised fishers as essential partners in sustainable resource management.
“CaFGOAG observed active participation of members of the committee from both sides of the house, asking very relevant questions on the ministry’s performance in the year 2025 and their outlook in 2026, with the minister for fisheries and aquaculture leading her team in providing adequate responses to members,” it stated.
It was further noted that key provisions in the 2026 budget that directly support the artisanal fisheries sector included increased investment in fisheries enforcement and monitoring to improve safety and combat illegal fishing; investment in fisheries post-harvest, including construction of fish markets; and the commitment to strengthen community-level co-management structures, including the Landing Beach Enforcement Committees.
The statement said other provisions were; the scaling up of premix fuel digitisation and monitoring systems to ensure fair and transparent distribution; provision for the supply of fishing inputs, including outboard motor, net and premix fuel; and provision for the completion and the operationalisation of Anomabo Fisheries College.
“These interventions are critical for safeguarding livelihoods, improving accountability, and building a resilient small-scale fisheries sector that continues to feed millions of Ghanaians.”
CaFGOAG praised the chairman of the committee for his exemplary leadership, openness and commitment to elevating the voices of fishers in national decision-making, adding that this step inspired confidence and marks a new chapter in collaborative governance.
They encourage all fishers to embrace the ongoing improvements in the sector, actively participate in co-management processes, and prioritise responsible and sustainable fishing practices to protect their shared marine resources for future generations.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo