By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R) Sept. 13, GNA – Mr Nelson Kofi Djabab, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi East Constituency, has attributed the increased availability of tilapia at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra to improved access to premix fuel by fisherfolk in the constituency.
He said the regular supply of premix fuel had enabled fisherfolk in communities along the River Oti and Volta Lake in Krachi East to undertake fishing activities more consistently, resulting in increased fish catches for the market.
Mr Djabab disclosed this during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), saying the availability of premix fuel had contributed significantly to reviving fishing activities and improving the supply of tilapia to major fish markets, including Agbogbloshie.
He explained that fisherfolk relied heavily on premix fuel to power their outboard motors, which enabled them to access fishing grounds on the lake and undertake their activities effectively.
According to him, the situation was different under the previous administration when he alleged, fisherfolk faced challenges in accessing premix fuel, making it difficult for them to venture onto the lake regularly.
He said the limited availability of premix fuel at the time affected fishing activities and consequently reduced the volume of fish supplied to markets, including Agbogbloshie.
“Today, premix fuel is being supplied regularly, and this has enabled our fisherfolk to go onto the lake every week to fish. As a result, they are able to catch more fish and supply the markets,” he added.
Mr Djabab said the development was not only benefiting fisherfolk but also women engaged in fish trading and other actors along the fish value chain.
He noted that a consistent supply of fish was essential to sustaining the livelihoods of fish traders, transporters, processors and other businesses that depended on the fishing industry.
The MP said Krachi East, with its strategic location along the Lake, had enormous potential to contribute significantly to Ghana’s fisheries sector if the necessary support was provided to fisherfolk.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo