A four-year project which will enhance fisheries sector governance dubbed “Far Ban Bo” [Protecting Fisheries Livelihoods], has been launched by Care Ghana, Oxfam, and Friends of the Nation in Takoradi.
The project, which is funded by the European Union will be completed in 2021.
When completed in 2021, it is expected to address key issues affecting the fisheries sector such as over-fishing, unsustainable fishing practices, unreported and unregulated fishing, low compliance of fisheries sector laws and weak capacity for law enforcement.
At the launch of the project, Project Coordinator at Care Ghana, Zakaria Yakubu, explained that “Far Ban Bo” will cover 30 districts in the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta Regions.
The project implementers will work closely with key fisheries stakeholders in the marine and inland fisheries sectors to ensure that the capacity of fishery associations are strengthened, to engage in equitable fisheries governance to safeguard the livelihood of vulnerable smallholder fishers” in the country.
He added that “the overall objective of “Far Ban Bo” is to contribute to sustainable fisheries resources management to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihood of smallholder fishers and other users of fisheries resources”.
Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, in his opening remarks, bemoaned the dwindling fortunes of the fisheries sector, and the seeming neglect by the powers that could help regulate the sector.
He commended the consortium for the initiative, and implored fishermen to engage in practices that will sustain their livelihood and avoid bad fishing practices that threaten their lives.
Western Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Alex Sarbah, reiterated the government’s resolve to see a vibrant fishery sector by introducing a sustainable fisheries management framework.
He cited the Marine Fisheries Management Plan that has initiatives to ensure the sector resuscitates for sustainable fishing in the country, as one move by the state to protect the fisheries resources.
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By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana