The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, with support from Blue Ventures, a UK-based organization with a strong presence in Africa has engaged key stakeholders from Ghana’s four coastal regions to discuss challenges confronting the small-scale fisheries sector and explore measures to promote sustainable fisheries management.
The stakeholder engagement, held in Cape Coast, brought together representatives from the Central, Western, Greater Accra and Volta Regions, alongside officials from the Fisheries Commission, Regional Coordinating Councils, artisanal fishing communities and other relevant stakeholders.
The discussions focused on the current state of artisanal fisheries, emerging challenges, compliance with fisheries regulations and measures to improve the livelihoods and resilience of fishing communities.
The Central Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Dovlo, presented an overview of the state of small-scale fisheries and emerging issues in the Central Region, highlighting key developments and concerns affecting the sector.
Participants were also taken through the licensing of artisanal canoes, with emphasis on canoe registration, licensing and compliance with fisheries laws and regulations as essential tools for effective fisheries management.
Another key area of discussion was the social and economic security of artisanal fishers.
Read Also: Parliament Backs Three Nominees for the Supreme Court
The Director of Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME), Mr. Eric Baah, presented on insurance and pension schemes for artisanal fishers, stressing the importance of social protection in safeguarding fishers and their families against unforeseen circumstances while securing their future.
Representatives from the four coastal regions used the platform to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore region-specific solutions to issues affecting small-scale fisheries.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s fisheries resources while improving the livelihoods of communities that depend on the sector.
She emphasized that sustainable fisheries management requires the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders, particularly fishing communities whose livelihoods are directly connected to the health and productivity of Ghana’s marine resources.
The Minister further encouraged participants to take advantage of initiatives designed to improve compliance, strengthen social protection and promote responsible fishing practices, stressing that the future of Ghana’s fisheries sector depends on collective responsibility and sustained stakeholder engagement.
Madam Emelia Arthur also commended Blue Ventures for supporting the engagement and thanked stakeholders from the four coastal regions for their participation and contributions towards strengthening the small-scale fisheries sub-sector.
The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to deepen stakeholder consultation, improve awareness of fisheries policies and regulations, strengthen social protection for artisanal fishers and promote the sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
The Ministry says continued collaboration and dialogue will be crucial to building a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector that protects Ghana’s marine resources while securing the livelihoods of present and future generations of fishers.
SOURCE: IBRAHIM ADAM
