The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has presented 72 outboard motors to artisanal fishermen operating at the Tema fishing harbour canoe basin.
The outboard motors were sold to the beneficiary fishermen at a subsidized price of about GH¢9,000, representing a subsidy of about 60 percent while the government through the TMA bored the remaining 40 percent of the cost of the outboard motors which range between GH¢15,000 and GH¢16,000 on the open market.
Support for fishermen
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Ishmael Ashitey who the presentation on behalf of the government on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, said the programme is a continuation of a subsidy policy initiated by the previous NDC administration to support artisanal fisherfolks to acquire fishing gears at a subsidised cost.
He said when the NPP administration took over and recognising of the role fishing plays in the economic development of the area decided to persue the programme to support the fishing industry.
Mr Ashitey said when he assumed office as Regional Minister, some canoe owners who had already made payment but were yet to recieve their outboard motors, approached him and appealed to him to intervene.
He said the he, in consultation with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development took prompt action to ensure that the affected canoe owners were supplied with the outboard motors.
He tasked the MCE to ensure that the gear goes to real fishermen and not business people who would want to take advantage of the subsidy programme for their selfish interest.
Hygiene
Mr Ashitey disclosed that food hygiene had been identified as a major challenge in terms of export of fish, enphasising that it was prudent that sanitation conditions at the various beaches meet high hygienic standards.
He said there is the need for fishermen and fish processors to ensure hygienic sanitation conditions at the landing beaches, and fishing communities in general, so that the fishing industry could take advantage out there, in terms of export of fish which could earn foreign incomes for themselves and the country.
Training
The Metropolitan Chief Executive for Tema, Mr Felix Mensah Anang-La said apart from the support to canoe owners, the assembly had also initiated some programmes for the fish processors to train them in basic records and book keeping. This would enable them to acquire knowledge in accounting and build their capacities to enhance their fishing business.
A Chief Fisherman from the Awudun area, Nii Ashitey Odametey II, called for stringent enforcement of the Fisheries Law to ensure that the industry is sustained.
He bemoaned the increasing numbers of foriegn vessels on the Ghanaian waters who he alledged where gradually driving the artisanal fishers out of business due to their method of fishing.
He said 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.
The Paramount Chief of the Tema Traditional Area, Nii Adjei Krakue II, has lauded the government for sustaining the programme, adding that it will go a long way to boost fishing
which plays role in the economic development of the area.
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