Fisheries Minister tours communities, distributes items to fisher-folks

Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has started a nationwide tour of fishing communities to support fisher-folks with some items.The items are wire mesh, basins, rice, oil, tin fish, and tomatoes.Mrs Koomson at the Dzemeni in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region, speaking on the theme: 'Empowering Inland Fisher Folks in South Dayi District: Supporting Aquaculture in Ghana', said inland fishing was a critical part of Ghana's fisheries sector, contributing to both local livelihoods and food security.She said Lake Volta, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, was a key inland fishing ground, sustaining thousands of fishers and their communities.'The Lake supports a rich variety of fish species, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, which are essential for domestic consumption. Inland fishing here is mainly artisanal, using traditional methods like canoes and nets,' she noted.The Minister explained that inland fishing played a significa nt role in Ghana's economy and food systems, however, sustainable practices were essential to protect fish stocks and the livelihoods that depended on them.It was, therefore, the mandate of the Ministry to visit the fisher folks, inland, and in Aquaculture and marine operations.Mrs Koomson said the Ministry would also visit fisher folks in Upper Manya, Akateng, Fanteakwa, Asuogyaman, Akosombo, Kpando Torkor in the Kpando District, Krachi East, Dambai, Krachi West , and East Gonja.The rest are Makango, Bono East, Pru East, Yeji, Kwahu Afram Plains North and South, and Kwahu East Kotoso.Speaking on the need to improve fishing tools and equipment, the Minister said government had plans to do away with the issue of premix fuel.Hence preparations were underway to do a pilot project or testing on solar-powered outboard motors.'We will start the piloting of it in October to know its efficiency and then roll it out throughout the country,' she saidSource: Ghana News Agency