The General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has stressed the need for a sustainable and inclusive fisheries and aquaculture value chain to transform food systems in the country.
He said a commitment on the part of stakeholders to a greater course of action to support the attainment of SDG 14 is important, adding that such commitment demands that “we conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”.
He also stressed that appropriate policy is important in protecting the livelihoods of Ghanaians in coastal communities, and in contributing to alleviating poverty and malnutrition in the coastal communities. In addition, that would help cement the party’s chances in improving livelihoods, and subsequently pulling massive votes in the 2024 general elections in the fishing and coastal communities across the country.
He made the call on Tuesday when the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, paid a visit to the national officers and staff of the NPP at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down.
Also present to receive the Minister were Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser; Kate Gyamfuah, National Women Organiser; and Mr William Yamoah, Director of Finance and Administration of the NPP.
Fishing industry potential
“Ghana’s fisheries sector consists of marine capture fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture. In addition to providing the much-needed animal protein, the fisheries sector creates jobs for 20 per cent of the active labour force (2.7 million people), including women who engage solely in processing and distribution. Let’s work together to realise the role of the fishing industry in Ghana. Government will continue to create an enabling environment for rapid fisheries and aquaculture sector growth,” he said.
Mr Frimpong Kodua observed that the fishing industry, which is dominated by artisanal marine fishing, helps Ghana to meet its fish and protein requirements, as well as providing employment for most coastal dwellers who depend on fishing as their main economic enterprise.
Commending the Minister for her excellent performance, the NPP General Secretary said it is in the party’s interest to work together to address some isolated grievances of fisherfolks.
He said with Ghana’s fishing population accounting for 10 per cent of the country’s total population, it is important that measures are put in place to stimulate growth in the sector.
Emerging concerns
Responding, the Minister shared some emerging concerns at her Ministry, including issues regarding the distribution and sales of premix fuel, closure and opening of the fishing season, among others.
She, however, indicated that in spite of the challenges, the Ministry had put in place interventions to improve the fishing and aquaculture industry in the country.
She further assured the party’s leadership that her office would work assiduously to improve the industry and cement the party’s chances of winning the next general elections massively in the fishing communities across the country.
Mrs Hawa Koomson also pledged to engage party executives, loyalists and well-meaning Ghanaians in the coastal communities to inform critical decisions of her Ministry.
The party-government policy engagement is seen as vital in generating a healthy relationship in sensitising the electorate on progress of work by government in relieving the people through implementation of relevant programmes and projects.
Following the introduction of this policy, the party headquarters has hosted some government appointees, including the CEO for Ghana Water Company Limited, Dr. Clifford Braimah; the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor; and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif.