She, however, charged fisherfolk to protect the ocean and other water bodies to ensure they reap better rewards from their trade.

[contextly_sidebar id=”KSpSXGZgudco9dIerOtz9fsl51Ndfx1n”]Fish is the primary source of protein and livelihood for most Ghanaians, particularly those residing along the coast.

However, poor management, overexploitation, environment degradation and illegal fishing has threatened the productivity and sustainability of the country’s fisheries resources.

The Minister also stated that the government has identified fish as a key commodity in the Agriculture sector and had taken steps to support women in the sector by providing them with improved fish-smoking ovens.

She also noted that it was only possible to reap benefits from our waterbodies when efforts are made to ensure that they remain clean.

“It is important for our waterbodies to be safe. Ghanaians must desist from desecrating the sea with plastic waste otherwise we will wake up one day to the painful realization that the perceived, bottomless monumental treasure is gone for good,” Mrs Afoley Quaye warned.

She also praised the Omanhene of Elmina Traditionl Area, Nana Kodwo Kondua II  for taking up the fight against illegal fishing methods and his efforts to ensure that the beaches are kept clean.

The Minister then announced the launch of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs program in 2018.

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By: Farida Yusif/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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