Fisheries ministry introduces sanitation strategy

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MFAD) has launched a new project to improve sanitary conditions in coastal communities across the country.

The initiative dubbed: “Coastal Sanitation Project” includes, the provision of toilet and bath facilities along the coast especially at landing beaches to alleviate incidents of open defecation.

Sheds would also be erected to serve as shades for fishermen during their off-fishing days while biogas would be introduced at the various landing beaches to ensure constant electricity supply.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony at Axim in the Western Region on Friday, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Sherry Ayitey, said the initiative is aimed at eradicating communicable diseases in coastal communities while at the same time, helping fishermen meet the international health standards for their fish exports.

She said Ghana exports about $500 million worth of fish every year into the European Union (EU) therefore it was important that fish exporters met the internal health standards so as to remain competitive.

The sanitary measures under the project, she said, would therefore, assist in the revamping of the fishing industry.

In addition, she said the ministry has introduced an insurance scheme for fishermen and fishmongers to protect their businesses.

So far, she said, over 7,000 fishermen have been registered under the scheme, adding that one million more are expected to be registered.