By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA
Ngyeresia, Oct. 23, GNA – The government of Ghana has expressed sincere appreciation to the governments of Togo, Benin and key international maritime partners for coordinating the rescue of the seven Fishers.
Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture said the coordinated efforts was a testament to an excellent relationship as well as strategic regional cooperation on the maritime front.
The Minister was speaking at a welcome ceremony of the seven fishers who departed the shores of Ngyeresia but went missing for two weeks due to an outboard motor failure.
She mentioned that three million of Ghana’s population were in the fishing value chain making meaningful contributions to the national economy, hence, the need for the sector players to take safety as a critical and personal duty.
The Sector Minister said; “we are grateful to God for averting such a calamity but let all remember that safety at sea is a shared responsibility, please let employ both the tradition and modern ways into our expedition to save us in times of trouble”.
Madam Arthur said the Ministry was also in talks with industry giants to procure trackers and other gadgets that could make tracing at sea an easy task.
Meanwhile, she urged the fishers to be obedient to local regulations by the Fisheries Commission and chief fishermen adding, we are planning an implementation of byelaws, and any offender would be duly punished.
Nana Kwesi Ackon, Chief Fisherman for Ngyeresia urged the government to check the technical prowess of outboard motors coming into the country.
He recounted how brand new outboard motors had failed at sea living fishers helpless.
In the last few months 13 canoes have gotten stacked on the sea due to similar engine failures prompting local rescue.
The Chief Fisherman advised families to be cautious in their utterances during such adversities.
A detailed report from the Ghana Navy revealed that the found fishers travelled 220kilometers off Ghana’s waters which was not their original intent.
A distress call by the canoe owner to the Police prompted the Police, Navy, Maritime and local fishermen to engage in a thorough search including the use of special boats, and aircraft.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah
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