By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Oct. 19, GNA – Twenty-nine chief fishermen from the Volta Region have been inducted into office with a call on them to strengthen leadership in fishing communities and intensify efforts to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The induction and swearing-in ceremony, held on the theme: “Strengthening Leadership for Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal Livelihoods,” emphasised the need for effective leadership, community collaboration and strict enforcement of fisheries regulations to protect marine resources.
Nana Jojo Solomon, National President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), said the induction was a continuation of the Council’s established practice of formally recognising its members at the national level.
He said regional structures were not autonomous and that chief fishermen inducted at the regional level had to complete the process at the national level to become fully recognised members of the Council.
He urged the newly inducted chief fishermen to respect the traditional authorities in their respective communities, stressing that their leadership roles did not place them above their communities.
He said chief fishermen were accountable to three authorities: their traditional leaders, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the National Council.
Nana Solomon said their primary responsibility was to ensure that their communities were free from IUU fishing practices, including light fishing, which threatened the sustainability of the fishing industry.
He cited Jamestown as an example, saying the chief fisherman there had succeeded in eliminating light fishing from the landing beach.
He challenged the newly inducted leaders to emulate the example and take practical steps to rid their respective landing beaches of illegal fishing activities.
Mr Ebow Mensah, Premix Administrator of the National Premix Secretariat, congratulated the chief fishermen and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity while uniting fishing communities and representing the interests of all fishers.
He said fishing communities depended on healthy water bodies and called on the leaders to support efforts to protect marine resources and eliminate destructive fishing practices.
Mr Mensah also urged the chief fishermen to collaborate with premix fuel committees to ensure that the product reached its intended beneficiaries at landing beaches.
He cautioned against the diversion, hoarding and unauthorised sale of premix fuel, and called for transparent accounting for the use of the 53 per cent Community Development Fund.
He wished the newly inducted leaders wisdom and strength to carry out their responsibilities successfully.
Torgbui Doe Nkekeshie, Leader of the Chief Fishermen, said their administration would prioritise the welfare of fishers and the eradication of IUU fishing to safeguard the livelihoods of fishing communities.
He said fishermen and fish processors were vital to national food security but faced growing economic challenges.
He said the leadership would work to establish and strengthen community-led credit unions and safety nets to support fishers during lean seasons.
It would also collaborate with the government and other partners to improve access to subsidised life jackets, reliable tracking devices and better premix fuel distribution, while advocating tailored insurance and health schemes to protect fishers and their families.
On fisheries sustainability, Torgbui Nkekeshie said destructive practices such as light fishing, the use of chemicals, unauthorised nets and incursions by foreign trawlers threatened the survival of the industry and had to be stopped.
He said the leadership would strengthen local beach committees and traditional oversight mechanisms to monitor and report illegal activities in Ghana’s waters.
He further pledged collaboration with the Navy, Marine Police and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to ensure the strict enforcement of fisheries laws without fear or favour.
He urged fishers to observe closed seasons and use approved mesh sizes to allow fish stocks to replenish.
He said “leadership is not a one-man journey,” calling on canoe owners, crew members, fish queens and youth leaders to support efforts to protect marine resources.
He said safeguarding the ocean today was essential to securing livelihoods for future generations.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng