Minister for Fisheries, Emelia Arthur has given assurance of her quest to ensure sustainability of fish production through her landmark reforms at the Fisheries Ministry.
Addressing a mid-year media engagement in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister described the reforms as a complete reset of fisheries governance toward sustainability, international compliance and livelihoods protection.
She emphasized that Ghana’s Fisheries sector is Changing from a sector defined by challenges to one driven by opportunities.
Minister for Fisheries, Emelia Arthur addressing the media
“We are replacing outdated systems with modern governance.
We are replacing uncertainty with strategic planning.
We are replacing weak accountability with transparency.
We are replacing depletion with sustainability.
And we are replacing dependence with innovation and production”, the Minister emphasized.
She revealed that over the past eighteen months, the Ministry has laid important foundations which include the landmark Fisheries and Aquaculture Act and the establishment of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area(MPA).
“We have strengthened fisheries enforcement.
We have improved premix fuel supply and introduced stronger accountability systems.
We have expanded aquaculture development.
We have opened new opportunities through offshore mariculture.
We have advanced Ghana’s Blue Economy agenda
We have strengthened partnerships for investment, knowledge and innovation.
These achievements are significant. But they are not the destination.
They are the foundation upon which we will continue to build”, Hon. Arthur stressed.
The Shama Member of Parliament revealed however that the transformation of Ghana’s fisheries sector cannot be achieved by Government alone saying it requires responsible fishers who respect conservation measures and fish processors and traders who embrace improved practices.
“It requires investors who see opportunity in sustainable fisheries.
It requires researchers and scientists who provide knowledge and innovation.
It requires development partners who support our shared objectives.
It requires traditional authorities, civil society and communities who protect the resources entrusted to them.
And it requires the media, whose role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable remains indispensable” she said.
The Minister later emphasized that the path the Ministry has taken will determine what future generations inherit.
“Will they inherit depleted waters and declining opportunities?
Or will they inherit thriving oceans, productive fisheries and a prosperous Blue Economy?
The answer depends on what we do now”, she indicated.
She called for the need to prioritize sustainability over depletion while accountability over complacency become the order of the day.
The Minister who expressed worry over galamsey activities which is threatening fishes within the Cape three points however expressed her commitment to build a fisheries and aquaculture sector that feeds our people, creates decent jobs, protects our environment and contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation”
“…Together, we will build a fisheries sector that restores hope to our communities.
Together, we will build a fisheries sector that our children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit.
That is the reset we promised. That is the transformation we are delivering.
And that is the future we are building for Ghana”, the Minister assured.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
