The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has engaged stakeholders in the fishing industry on Government’s initiatives and interventions.
According to the management of CODA, the engagement was part of government’s efforts to strengthen participation with stakeholders in the fisheries sector, and further eradicate poverty among fisher folks.
Over 4,000 fishermen, fishmongers, head porters and traders, in addition to representatives from the National Fish Processors and Traders Association of Ghana, premix fuel committees and landing beach committees within the fisheries value chain took part in the forum held in Accra.
The Management of CODA further took the opportunity to discuss the various plans and programmes being put in place by government through the Authority to boost trading activities.
The Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, also listed initiatives of the government through the Authority to alleviate the sufferings of fisher folks and their families as well.
The CEO further reiterated the commitment of government to assist fisher folks with equipment to boost their operations and improve their livelihoods in the long run. He announced that, a 40 horsepower engines of outboard motors with a market value of GH¢20,000 was offered to fishers at subsidized prices of GH¢10,000 each, while a 15 horsepower engine, which was sold on the open market for GH¢14,500 each, was offered to fishers at GH¢5,000.
Mr. Shaib added that fishers folks, fisher folks would be supported financially through the CODA Credit Union at reduced interest rates to boost their businesses.
In addition, Mr. Shaib indicated that, the President has directed CODA to provide tricycles to fishmongers on hire purchase to assist them in the smooth and safe transport of fish landing beaches to processing sites and markets.
The Mayor of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, who was also present at the ceremony, encouraged the participants to take advantage of government’s interventions to improve their lives and that of their families.
He further encouraged parents to desist from involving children of school going age in fishing activities, and rather enroll them in school, with government’s flagship Free Senior High School policy. This, according to the Mayor, will secure s bright future of these children.
“If today a grandson of a fisherman is the Mayor of Accra, then President Akufo-Addo is telling you that your child can also become President of the nation”, he noted.
Finally, the Chief Executive of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Mr. Edwin Provencal, tasked the fisher folks to focus on the development of themselves and their families by making good use of the economic and social opportunities available to them through the various initiatives rolled out by the government.
