Inshore fishermen benefit from ministry's fishing package

Tema, June 16, GNA -- As part of initiatives to improve the country's fishing industry, the Ministry of Fisheries has presented fishing nets and gallons of diesel fuel worth GH¢ 240 million to the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association (GIFA).

The items would be distributed to members of the Association across the country under a credit agreement between GIFA and the ministry which requires that beneficiaries pay the full cost of the items within 12 months.

Presenting the items to the Association in Tema on behalf of Mrs Gladys Asmah, the Fisheries Minister, Mr David Aidoo, Project Officer said it was the aim of the ministry to revive the industry by injecting inputs into it at subsidized cost.

Mr Aidoo indicated that the inshore sector approached the Ministry and suggested the introduction of the scheme which his outfit obliged due to the confidence it has in the association. He said plans were advanced for another supply of 50 in-board motors for wooden vessels operators at the cost of GH¢15 million. Recounting previous assistance to fishermen in the country, Mr Aidoo noted that the ministry purchased 600 outboard motors worth GH¢1.4 million and distributed to fishermen along the coastal belt on credit basis through some rural banks.

Mr. Joseph Nii Armah-Quaye, President of GIFA receiving the items on behalf of the Association thanked the government for addressing their concerns stating that the presentation was the first GIFA has received from any government. Mr. Armah-Quaye noted that the Continental Christian Traders Limited (CCT) supplied the fishing nets while Galaxy Oil Limited is stocking the fuel at the landing beaches.

He further said that members have already lifted 54,000 litres of fuel out of the 125,000 litres assigned to the Association during the first consignment expressing the hope that fishermen would use the opportunity to increase their catch.