Fishers in Central Region Receive Alternative Livelihood Support from Fisheries Ministry.

Cape Coast: The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has presented more than 7,000 work equipment to support the livelihoods of fisherfolks along coastal communities in the Central Region. The equipment comprised 2,200 sewing machines, 2,600 hair dryers, and 2,470 barbering kits to be given to fishers who underwent skills training a few months ago.According to Ghana News Agency, the government has introduced several measures to rescue Ghana's fisheries sector, including the fishing closed season and a moratorium on new canoes, which are impacting the fisherfolks. The Sector Minister, Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, has responded to their concerns by providing alternative sources of livelihood, hence the training and the accompanying tools.Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, received the items from the Ministry in Cape Coast on behalf of the coastal assemblies for onward delivery to the more than 6,000 trained beneficiaries. Nana Owusu Acheampong, the Special Aide to the sect or minister, presenting the items on behalf of the Minister, expressed confidence that the equipment would bring relief to countless families along the coast.He highlighted the pressure on the sea and the necessity of critical steps to save the fisheries industry. 'There were about 4,000 canoes on the sea at the last count, and we are trying to bring it down, so we are enforcing a moratorium on the introduction of new canoes on the sea. We also enforce closed season, and every time, the people cry that they have nothing to live on. We have brought them these tools to help them survive when the sea is closed and they are not able to go the sea,' he said.Nana Acheampong assured that the ministry was working to introduce further interventions to improve the welfare of fishers. Mrs. Assan, the Regional Minister, was optimistic about the impact of the gesture on the communities and commended the sector minister and the government for prioritizing the welfare of fishers. She remarked that the initiative would s upport families, especially during the closed season.She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the machines immediately to benefit their families and neighborhoods and cautioned against selling or using them as decorations. 'The enthusiasm and the commitment they have shown today tells me that they are ready to put the thing to use,' she observed.The Regional Minister announced that a monitoring system would be set up to track the progress of the beneficiaries and offer them the needed assistance. Nana Joojo Solomon, President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, appreciated the initiative as a significant step by the government through the Ministry of Fisheries to address the challenges faced by the fishers.He described it as an intervention in the right direction, eliminating any breach of human rights during the closed season. Some beneficiaries who were present to witness the presentation expressed gratitude to the President, the Vice President, and the sector minister.