The 2024 Fetu Afahye celebrations emphasized sustainable fisheries, marked by the Oguaa Traditional Council’s ceremonial lifting of the one-month fishing ban at the Fosu Lagoon.
The event featured an exciting regatta canoe racing competition hosted by ATL FM, with three Asafo groups namely; Bentsir No.1, Anaafo No.2, and Nkum No.4 competing, and Nkum No.4 emerging victorious.
During the festivities, Mr. Michael Takyi, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for the Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA), underscored the importance of sustainable fisheries practices.
He stated, “We need to adopt sustainable fisheries practices to protect our resources, highlighting the need for improved hygiene standards in post-harvest fish processing, introducing the Safe Fish Certification and Licensing Scheme. This program ensures that women fish processors adhere to strict hygiene protocols,” he explained.
Mr. Osei Akoto Nyantakyi, Programs Manager for the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), stressed the need for robust laws and regulations to manage fisheries sustainably revealing “We must implement strong measures to prevent exploitative practices and ensure equitable benefits for all Ghanaians.”
He further voiced support for the government’s initiative to develop a self-sufficient fisheries industry, free from foreign interference.
Adding to the discussion, Nana Atswere VII, Cape Coast’s chief fisherman (Apofohen), called for the dredging of the Fosu Lagoon stating “Dredging the Fosu Lagoon is crucial for its sustainability.”
He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in maintaining sustainable fisheries to ensure the long-term health of oceans and the well-being of communities.
The Fetu Afahye celebration thus provided a platform to advocate for sustainable fisheries, highlighting the need for responsible management and practices to secure the future of Ghana’s fishing industry.
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Source: Matilda Aryeequaye/ATLFMNEWS
