National Chief Fishermen, Queen Fishmongers Council launched
A new council with a focus on advancing the cause of fishers through strengthened leadership, improved welfare and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices in the country has been launched at Anomabo in the Central Region.
The council, dubbed the National Council of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers, is set to help guide Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector by promoting good governance, especially in artisanal fishing.
The launch was also used to swear in the council's interim executives and present 15 of 188 Yamaha outboard motors as part of the council's flagship programme aimed at improving access to essential fishing inputs and equipment.
The council represents both inland and coastal fishing communities across Ghana.
The council has Nana Kwamena Sankah II as President, Akpaglo Nyamekor as Vice-President, Nana Kwame Yah Ababio III as General Secretary, Nii Abiala as Treasurer, Katsopor Worlanyo as Financial Secretary, Ahu Ben Agbozo as Organiser, Nana Adam Eduafo as Public Relations Officer, Mama Ameyedoe Agu II and Naa Mansa Agyeman I as Women Organisers, and Mr Kwesi Johnson as National Administrator.
Some fishermen from Togo also came to grace the occasion.
Vital source of livelihood
Speaking at the event, the President of the Council, Nana Kwamina Sankah II, said fishing predated colonial rule and remained a vital source of livelihood for many Ghanaians, stressing the need to protect both the industry and the marine environment.
He stressed that the formation of the group was not to compete with any existing institution, but to serve as a bridge between traditional authority, the government and development partners.
He said the council’s core focus would be the sustainability of fisheries, development of fishing communities and the welfare and dignity of fishers and processors across Ghana and the Gulf of Guinea.
Addressing participants, the Omanhen of Anomabo, Nana Amoonu XII, underscored the need for proper maintenance of fishing equipment and urged leaders of the council to continue fighting for better tools and resources for their people.
On maritime safety, a Project Officer for Friends of the Nations, Philip Prah, drew attention to the dangers faced by fishers at sea, citing research which suggested that many lives were lost daily due to poor safety systems.
He presented ALON, a GPS-based address system aimed at assisting in locating fishers at sea during emergencies, which enhances rescue efforts and communication between land and sea with the group.
He emphasised the need to obtain this system to better identify the locations of individuals in distress.
The Mfantsiman Municipal Director of the Fisheries Commission, Sarah Sarfo, commended the council for its initiative and urged members to desist from harmful fishing practices that threatened marine life and their own safety.
The women organiser of the council, Mama Ameyedoe Agu, called on the Nkonkohemaa "fishmarket queen" to support their leaders and work in unity while also urging men to reciprocate by supporting women in their roles within the fishing value chain.
