By Hafsa Obeng/ Muniratu Akweley Issah, GNA
Accra, Oct. 19, GNA – The Fisheries Commission is to introduce a canoe registration exercise to protect the investments of artisanal fishers and improve documentation of operators in the fishing industry.
Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, said the initiative would provide canoe owners with official records of their assets, potentially improving their access to bank loans, insurance and government support.
He announced this at the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council’s chief fishermen induction and swearing-in ceremony, held on the theme: “Strengthening Leadership for Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal Livelihoods.”
Prof. Campion said canoe owners invested substantial sums in constructing canoes, purchasing outboard motors and providing operational capital but often lacked official documentation to establish ownership.
He said the absence of such records could make it difficult for owners to seek compensation when their canoes were stolen or destroyed or use the assets as collateral for loans.
“We will want to help by helping you register that investment,”, adding that the Commission intended to work with relevant institutions to formalise the investments in the coming months.
He said the exercise would also support efforts to establish accurate figures on the number of fishermen in the country to guide policy decisions affecting the sector.
Prof. Campion said the Commission would also work towards clarifying the definitions of a fisherman and a chief fisherman, including the criteria for assuming leadership positions, to reduce misunderstandings and potential conflicts.
On safety, he said the Commission was working towards introducing affordable tracking devices to help locate canoes in distress and provide evidence in cases involving piracy, accidents, collisions with industrial vessels and pollution.
He called for collaboration among relevant institutions and fishing communities to address concerns about mining activities at sea, stressing that economic development should not undermine the livelihoods of fishers.
Dr Collins Nana Andoh, Maritime Officer of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), urged the newly inducted chief fishermen to report illegal activities, including the discharge of waste and sewage from large vessels into Ghana’s waters.
He said fishers were strategically positioned to support maritime authorities in monitoring activities at sea.
Dr Andoh also urged the leaders to ensure that canoe operators wore life jackets whenever they went to sea to reduce fatalities.
He cautioned them against dropping anchors in areas containing critical maritime infrastructure, particularly submarine fibre-optic cables, warning that damage to such installations could disrupt communications across the country.
Togbi Joachim Acolatse, Paramount Chief of the Kedzi Traditional Area, urged the chief fishermen to uphold traditional fisheries governance systems, maintain peace in coastal communities and intensify efforts to eliminate illegal fishing.
He said destructive practices, including light fishing, chemical fishing and the use of illegal nets, threatened livelihoods and the future of coastal communities.
Togbi Acolatse appealed to the government to provide marine police services to fishers to support the enforcement of fisheries regulations.
He urged the chief fishermen to work closely with traditional authorities and the Marine Police Task Force to monitor and report violations, while resolving disputes among canoe owners, crew members and neighbouring landing beaches through fairness and dialogue.
He said peace and unity were essential for the sustainable development of the artisanal fishing industry.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporters: Hafsa Obeng/ Muniratu Akweley Issah