President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the Minister for Fisheries Hon Emilia Arthur for the successful organization of the first ever National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers.
According to the President such gatherings brings together traditional leaders in the fisheries sector from across Ghana to discuss sustainable fisheries management, livelihoods, and the future of our marine water resources, hence the commendation.
President Mahama speaking at the Conference
President Mahama gave the commendation at the maiden National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers held last Friday (November 21, 3025) under the auspices of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Ocean Initiative and Blue Ventures.
“I would like to commend the Fisheries Minister Emilia Arthur for this great initiative”, President Mahama said.
The President indicated that the Conference reaffirms government commitment in safeguarding the fisheries sector adding that the theme” Resetting Fisheries- Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers as Guardians and Partners in Sustainable Fisheries Management” places high at the entire government reset agenda.
He revealed that the Sector supports the livelihood of 3 million Ghanaians making it one of significant sectors of the economy.
President Mahama however bemoaned some challenges plaguing the sector including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU), Saico among others which he said are contributing to decline of fishstock.
He was of the view that the passage of the Fisheries Act would enhance government ‘s ability to combat IUU.
President Mahama revealed that the increasing of the inshore Exclusion Zone(IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles aims to protect artisanal fishers by providing them with a larger, exclusive area to operate, combating issues like illegal trawling, and helping to restore fish stocks.
He added that the establishment of first ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) are part of broader effort by government to ensure sustainability and improve food security.
President Mahama later entreated chief Fishermen to stamp to their authority enforce the laws stressing that “no reforms will succeed without your leadership”.
He therefore called on the Chief Fishermen to collaborate with queen mongers to resolve all disputes and enforce the by laws for non-fishing days.
For her part, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon. Emilia Arthur revealed that the diminishing authority of chief fishermen at various landing beaches was the motivation for the conference.
She said the capacity of Chief Fishermen and Queen Mongers are expected to be built at the end of the conference to enable them play their required role needed for the safeguarding of the sector
The Shama Member of Parliament also mentioned that issues of premix fuel hoarding became topical on the first day of the conference, assuring that all these challenges would be a thing of the past given the stimulating presentations at the conference by the Experts.
The Minister later commended the President for his support for the conference and announced the donation of a pick up and a bus to the Fisheries Council by President Mahama.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
