NPP to adopt technology, ecosystem-based approaches for fisheries management – Moses Anim
A former Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Moses Anim, has outlined a comprehensive vision to transform Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors under the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
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Speaking at a “Political Parties Dialogue on the Fisheries Sector” organised by the Centre for Coastal Management of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Accra on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Mr. Anim explained that Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the fisheries sector is a "fisher-centered, business-driven approach" that leverages technology and climate-smart practices to achieve food security, employment, and income security.
He added that this vision also seeks to reduce the high risks associated with fisheries and aquaculture, which often discourage lending institutions from providing long-term credit to the sector.
"Dr. Bawumia has also realised that we have to de-risk fisheries and aquaculture because the lending institutions deem fisheries and aquaculture as a high-risk area and therefore short, medium, long-term lending does not count," he stated, emphasising the need to make fish more affordable and also ensuring long-term food security in the country.
The Dialogue
The Political Parties Dialogue on the Fisheries Sector allowed the various political parties seeking to govern the country to present their policies and interventions for the fisheries sector.
The event brought together various stakeholders in the fisheries sector, including experts, fishers, political figures, and civil society organisations.
NPP's vision
Mr Anim, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Trobu Constituency in the Greater Accra, mentioned the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk System for Agricultural Lending (GESAL) as a key part of Dr. Bawumia's strategy to empower and facilitate access to credit for fisheries.
Through GESAL, he explained, credit risk guarantees will be provided to lending institutions, making it easier for them to lend at reduced interest rates.
Additionally, he noted, fisheries and aquaculture insurance will be promoted alongside technical training for lending institutions to better understand the fisheries value chain.
Mr. Anim stressed the importance of adopting an ecosystem-based fisheries management approach, which will be anchored in efforts to enforce fisheries laws and regulations.
He noted that the Fisheries Commission will be equipped to fulfill its mandate in areas such as monitoring, control, and surveillance, as well as research, innovation, and post-harvest management.
He explained that a special focus will be placed on deploying electronic monitoring systems to ensure that industrial trawl and tuna fleets operate within their legal limits, leaving small pelagics for local artisanal fishers.
Dr. Bawumia’s policy, Mr. Anim explained, will also prioritise the artisanal fishing sector, with deeper consultations and collaborations with industry leadership.
"The co-management approach will be key, allowing artisanal fisherfolk to play a more active role in the distribution of fishing resources, such as premix fuel," he said, adding that "Government will also continue to subsidise premix fuel while exploring alternative energy sources for cold storage to reduce production costs."
Mr Anim said inland fisheries will not be left behind, indicating that scientific research will be used to support inland capture fisheries.
Additionally, he noted, alternative livelihood training will be expanded to provide skills such as carpentry, dressmaking, and welding to youth in artisanal fishing communities.
"We also want to continue to facilitate and support competence-based alternative livelihood training in construction, plumbing, carpentry, welding and fabrication, auto mechanic, marine fitting, hair braiding, dressmaking, cosmetology, catering, shoe and handbag making by TVET Institution for Youth in artisanal fishing communities," he indicated.
He also outlined plans to promote mariculture, including shrimp, green mullet, and grouper production, as well as enhance aquaculture through private sector investment and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The former Deputy Fisheries Minister said the next NPP government would place more attention on clam fisheries, saying "Dr. Bawumia want to look at because it's a very good area just that the space for it is deserted."
Similarly, he observed, the oyster sector as well as the seaweed industry are very lucrative, stressing that the global market for seaweed is about $7 billion.
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Mr Anim also mentioned that fish feed production, which constitutes 70 per cent of production costs, will be addressed by promoting the use of locally available materials and supporting research to improve feed efficiency.
He indicated the next NPP government's plans to establish aquaculture hubs, rehabilitate hatcheries, and convert the Ghana Veterinary Service into an authority, focused on aquatic animal health, ensuring that the sector is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future.