Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has pledged to transform the fishing industry if elected.
He made this promise during a visit to fishermen in the Western Region as part of his national tour. Bawumia highlighted the importance of the fisheries sector in boosting Ghana’s economy. However, he identified challenges such as inefficiencies in distributing premix fuel, lack of cold storage facilities, illegal fishing practices, and limited access to financial services as obstacles that need to be addressed for the sector to thrive.
To tackle these challenges, the Vice President plans to introduce a strong strategy to make the most of our sea’s fisheries resources. This plan will benefit all players in the industry, including big factories, smaller-scale businesses, and individual fishermen, to tackle the problems we’ve identified.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia aims to boost women’s involvement in fishing. He pledges to support and empower women in the sector, aiming to surpass the 40% participation rate set by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Accomplishments
During his address, the Vice President highlighted the NPP’s accomplishments in the fishing industry. He mentioned the construction of fish landing sites in various communities like Axim, Discove, and Mumford. Additionally, he noted achievements in places like Moree, Winneba, Ekumfi-Otuam, Mfantseman, Senya Breku, and Elmina, all located in the Central Region, as part of the party’s efforts to improve the fisheries sector.
In the Greater Accra region, the Vice President mentioned that three new landing beaches are being built, with different levels of progress. He urged fishermen to support his bid for the presidency so he can keep working in their favor. The landing sites in Greater Accra include Jamestown (65% complete), Teshie (80% complete), and Osu (99% complete).
The government has also made progress in coastal protection projects, with notable achievements in Anomabu (75% complete) and Komenda (95% complete) in the Central Region. Additionally, in the Greater Accra Region, Ningo Prampram in the Ningo Prampram District is halfway through completion, as highlighted by the Vice President.
The Vice President also mentioned other government accomplishments. These include giving GH¢2 million to the Ministry of Fisheries to control and stop the spread of “Infectious Spleen and Kidney Virus Disease.” They’ve also ensured that all the condensate produced by Ghana Gas is used for premix fuel to ensure there’s enough of it available at affordable prices. Additionally, they’ve trained 321 individuals in the first phase of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Initiative, providing them with fingerlings and fish feed to start their own businesses.
Read Also: Jamestown Fishermen Seek Aid After Canoes Damage in Rain
