Fisher-Folk to Get Compensation during Ban ― Minister

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has indicated that it will not leave fisher-folks stranded during the ban on fishing come August, 2018.

In the bid to ensure that their livelihood is secured, government has prepared a package for those who would be affected when the fishing season finally closes.

According to the Minister in charge of fisheries, Madam Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, a significant part of profits garnered from the sale of premix fuel has been set aside for distribution to fisher-folk to reduce the financial burdens expected from ban.

“To mitigate the negative impact of the closed season, the following measures have been put in place. Alternative livelihood committee has helped selected communities to implement alternative livelihood schemes. Example; collecting and processing of plastic for money.

“Landing beach committees are to use some mixed portions of the 53% of the premix fuel margins meant for development to all fishers identified within their landing beach committees,” the minister noted in Parliament yesterday.

The Ban

Government had imposed a one month ban on all fishing activities in the country. The ban which takes effect from August 7 to September 4, is aimed at improving the country’s dwindling fish stock.

The ministry had indicated that Ghana’s fish stock was critically low adding that until it improves, the ban would continue year by year.

This directive has since encountered fierce resistance from fisher-folks across the country.

More Fire

Just yesterday, yet another tantrum from the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council was thrown at the fisheries ministries.

At a press conference held in Accra, fishermen and fishmongers from the Volta, Central, and Greater Accra region called on government to rescind its decision, arguing that they had not been consulted.

Executive Secretary for the Council, Nii Abeo Kyerekuandah IV, recommended that the ban be moved to 2019 while policy makers prepare towards providing alternate source of livelihood for the fisher folks.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]