Fisheries Minister commences six-day tour of inland fishing communities

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, is set to embark on a six-day working tour of inland fisheries communities nationwide, beginning Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The minister will travel to selected communities in the Greater Accra, Volta, Oti, Bono East, Savanna, and Ashanti Regions to listen to the people who participate in fishing in rivers, lakes, and dams.

According to the official press statement from the Ministry, “The exercise is intended to strengthen engagement with stakeholders, assess key facilities, and obtain firsthand information on the state of the inland fisheries subsector. Insights gathered will contribute to shaping discussions at the forthcoming Inland Fisheries Conference.”

During the tour, the minister is expected to interact directly with fishers, inspect infrastructure, and take part in a strategic planning session in Techiman.

For many fishing families who often feel overlooked compared to the marine sector, this visit signals that their voices and challenges are finally being taken seriously.

“This initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that policies are informed by the experiences and needs of inland fishing communities,” the statement partly said.

Stakeholders and the general public have been encouraged to actively participate in the engagements.

The tour comes at a critical time as inland fishing communities continue to battle declining fish stocks, post-harvest losses, and inadequate landing sites.

Many hope the minister’s firsthand experience will lead to more practical and supportive policies for the sector.

The six-day tour is expected to conclude on Monday, May 11, 2026.

NA/VPO