The President of the Canoe and Fishing Gears Owners Association, Nana Kweigyah, has called on John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), to implement a comprehensive social security policy for members of the fishing industry if elected president in the December 2024 elections.
During Mr. Mahama’s visit to the Tema Fishing Community on Saturday, Nana Kweigyah highlighted the challenging conditions faced by fishers upon retirement or in the event of accidents at sea.
He urged Mr. Mahama to extend a similar social security policy to fishers as proposed for Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) members and to provide insurance for accidents at sea.
Nana Kweigyah also criticized the politicization and discrimination in the distribution of premix fuel and outboard motors to fishermen. He called for the restoration of the Premix Fuel Committee should the NDC form the next government in 2025.
Additionally, he emphasized the poor sanitation conditions at landing beaches, which are overwhelmed with plastic waste, posing a significant hazard to the fishing community.
Various association members and chief fishermen expressed concerns about the adverse effects of the closed fishing season on artisanal fishers.
In response, President Mahama reminisced about his previous engagements with the artisanal fishing community during his administration. He assured them of his commitment to reinstating the Landing Beach Committee, promoting youth involvement in beach sanitation, and enforcing the exclusive zone policy with the Ghana Navy’s support.
Mr. Mahama pledged that an NDC government “will exempt artisanal fishers from the closed-season policy” and complete the National Fisheries College, initiated by the late President John Atta Mills, to provide appropriate training and ensure practical and efficient work in the fishing industry.
Story by: Mathew Ahiaveh – Captain
