Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

Adverts

AGRICULTURE

MoFAD to procure right materials for fishermen for the bumper season

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye has given indications that the right measures would be taken to ensure the aims of the closed season are achieved.

Date Created : 2/8/2019 8:31:27 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

She said this to allay fears of industry players during the stakeholders’ engagement forum on closed season on February 5, 2019 in Tema where dates for the 2019 closed season for the various fleets of fishing vessels were announced as follows;

• May 15 – June 15, 2019 for artisanal fishers (canoes);

• August 1 – September 30, 2019 for Industrial trawlers and

• January – February for Tuna Vessels which is already in force

According to her, the Ministry is in the processes of procuring the right materials including nets, outboard motors among others for the fishermen to get themselves battle ready for the season when the closed season is opened for business.

The Minister also reiterated their resolve to intensify monitoring during the period to prevent the use of monofilament nets, use of harmful chemicals among other illegal practices that may erode their quest to revamp the industry.

On contributions of neighbouring Togo and Cote d’Ivoire, the minister disclosed that they are trying to get into discussions with their neighbouring counterparts to see the possibility of observing “sub-regional closed season” that will even bring a better results to all countries since each of the three countries has a sizeable population in the sector, whose livelihoods have to be protected.

Nii Odametey, Chief Farmer at Tema beach also confirmed their preparedness to observe the closed season but appealed to the ministry to control the activities of Chinese on the sea because that is one of the major reasons some of their people are unwilling to observe the season. Adding any further assurance from the ministry to deal with that issue would boost the moral of their people to back the ministry in their operations.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture who were also represented at the meeting urged the fisher folks to support MoFAD in implementing the season since the timeline which was the main reason the process was postponed last year have been addressed.

They advised that the closed season is for sustainability and profitability of the industry to safeguard their livelihood, thus positive results can only be achieved with their involvement and support.