By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA
Accra, March 8, GNA -The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has engaged artisanal fishers and fishmongers to strengthen dialogue and promote sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The engagement also aimed to create awareness of the Artisanal Fishers Forum and garner stakeholder support ahead of the launch of its inaugural meeting.
Madam Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, speaking at the meeting, said the Forum was initiated by artisanal fisher groups as a product of their collective vision and determination to ensure effective and sustainable management of the sector.
She commended the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana and other associations for the initiative, describing it as a laudable effort that could help transform the fisheries sector.
Madam Arthur said the Forum would place fishers at the centre of dialogue and decision-making to ensure their voices were heard and contributed to policies affecting their livelihoods.
She noted that the artisanal fisheries sector remained the backbone of the nation’s fisheries industry but continued to face challenges such as declining fish stocks, illegal fishing practices and safety concerns at sea.
The Minister cited recent pirate attacks on fishers at Nyanyano and commended the coordinated efforts of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit, Marine Police and the Ghana Navy, as well as the Member of Parliament and other stakeholders, which led to the safe rescue of the victims.
“The Forum is therefore both timely and essential. The establishment of a quarterly platform for dialogue among artisanal fisher associations, women processors and traders represents a significant step forward,” the Minister said.
Participants at the meeting included national and regional executives and members of artisanal fisher associations such as the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana, the National Fish Processors and Traders Association and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council.
There were also representatives from the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, the Centre for Coastal Management and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Nana Kweigyah, President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana, presenting the expected outcomes of the Forum, said it aimed to increase compliance with fisheries laws and regulations while strengthening coordination and unity among artisanal fishers.
He urged association members, particularly executives, to be proactive in addressing challenges within their respective jurisdictions.
Madam Regina Solomon, President of the National Fish Processors and Traders Association, called for continuous support for women in the fisheries value chain, noting that they faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and health and safety risks.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey