Govt presents outboard motors to fishermen

The government has presented 92 outboard motors to members of two fishing associations in Tema. Each beneficiary paid GH¢6,000 and the government will bear the remaining cost of the outboard motors which range  between GH¢12,000 and GH¢18,000 on the open market.

The beneficiary associations are the Canoe Owners Association and the National Association of Fish Processors and Traders Association at Tema New Town.

The distribution of the outboard motors  is in fulfillment of a promise President  Mahama made in his State of the Nation Address in February 2015.

Support for fishermen

The Metropolitan Chief Executive for Tema, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, who made the presentation on behalf of the government, said the distribution of the outboard motors was in recognition of the role fishing plays in the economic development of the area.

Apart from the support to fisher folks, he said, the assembly had also initiated free school uniform distribution throughout the metropolis with schools in the fishing communities in Tema also benefitting, while a number of the poorest households in the fishing community are also beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.

Enforce laws

The Chief Fisherman, Nii Ashitey Odametey, called for stringent enforcement of the Fisheries Law to ensure that the industry is sustained.

He drew the government's attention to the present state of artisanal fishing and the problems the industry was facing.

He cited challenges such as the use of lights and fishing trawlers impeding artisanal fishing and said the government had the responsibility of saving the industry from collapsing by ensuring that fishermen who flouted the fishing laws and regulations were dealt with.

Madam Awon Gloga, the Leader of the National Association of Fish Processors and Traders, expressed their appreciation for the government’s support.

Writer’s email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh