Accra: The Canoe and Fishing Gears Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has strengthened its partnership with Blue Ventures Conservation following a 10-day working visit by officials of the organization to Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, CaFGOAG, in a statement signed by its national president, Nana Kweigyah, expressed honor in hosting the visiting team from Blue Ventures Conservation, led by Chief Programme Officer Stephen James Box. The officials visited Ghana from August 17 to 26, 2025, engaging with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, fishers' associations, and various government agencies and fisheries stakeholders to explore partnership opportunities.
The association, representing artisanal fishers, noted the importance of partnerships aimed at enhancing the resilience of fishing communities. The visit provided a platform to address challenges and potential within the artisanal fisheries sector, focusing on safeguarding marine resources and addressing illegal fishing practices to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, and build sustainable fisheries for coastal communities.
CaFGOAG acknowledged the commitment of Blue Ventures Conservation to engage directly with fishing communities, strengthen fishers' capacities, and promote participation in data collection and financial inclusion to improve living conditions in coastal areas. The association emphasized the shared vision of inclusive sustainable ocean governance.
It further expressed eagerness to deepen collaboration with Blue Ventures Conservation, the government of Ghana, institutions, and other stakeholders to support responsible and sustainable fishing practices, enhance social and economic opportunities in coastal communities, and ensure that fishers remain central to decision-making processes affecting their livelihoods.
As a member of the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition, CaFGOAG remains committed to partnering with Blue Ventures Conservation and other collaborators to secure a sustainable future for Ghana's artisanal fisheries sector. The association appreciated Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and various institutions and organizations for their warm reception and engagement with the visiting team.
