Canoe Council honours dedicated fisher folks

The Western Regional branch of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) on Tuesday honoured dedicated fishermen and key stakeholders for their contributions towards the growth of the industry.

The fisher folks were drawn from the six coastal districts in the Western Region, namely Jomoro, Ellembelle, Ahanta West, Nzema East, Shama and Sekondi-Takoradi.

The recipient stakeholders included Tullow Ghana, an oil company; Friends of the Nation, Hen Mpoanu, both Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) which have been supporting the fisher folks in various ways.

The NGOs and the stakeholders of the industry have contributed in various ways like holding seminars, workshops, public forums in all the fishing communities to educate the fisher folks on good fishing practices.

They were rewarded with certificates of appreciation, safety gadgets and cash for their dedication in the industry.

Nana Kojo Kondua, Western Regional Chairman of the GNCFC, said some leaders have sacrificed their time, energy and resources to support the growth of the industry and the fisher folks association.

It is due to their hard work that the association has served as a platform for engagements so it’s important to recognize and honour these selfless leaders, individuals, institutions and groups.

Nana Kondua said the move serves as motivation and encouragement for others to emulate and expressed gratitude to the management Tullow Ghana and others sponsors of the programme.

Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, Deputy Western Regional Minister, expressed government’s concern about the smuggling of premix fuel by some members of the Premix Fuel Landing Beach Committees (PFLBC).

He said this action creates artificial shortages for the fishermen and they turn to blame the government for not providing them with the product.

Mr Gyan said government was subsidizing the premix fuel for sale to fishermen by the PFLBC so that the profit would be used to support development projects in communities.

Mr Gyan also advised fishermen against indulging in illegal fishing activities like the use of chemicals, dynamites, unauthorized fishing gears and lights adding that those caught would face the law.