Vice President and flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia has articulated his vision for the fisheries industry, pledging to assist in the effective execution of a comprehensive fisheries strategy that enhances and optimizes resources within the sector.
Speaking to fishermen in the Western Region during the initial stage of his campaign, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) mentioned their intentions to back industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal sub-divisions. This, he emphasized, will also tackle key issues such as inefficient distribution of pre-mix fuel, insufficient cold storage facilities, overfishing and depletion of fish stocks, illegal unreported fishing, and access to credit and financial services.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the primary obstacles encountered by the fisheries sector include inefficiencies in the supply chain for premix fuel distribution, insufficient cold storage facilities, and the issues of overfishing and depletion of fish stocks.
Other significant challenges include illegal and unreported fishing, limited economic diversification for fishermen, and inadequate access to credit and financial services. He expressed confidence that the NPP government has been dedicated to overcoming these challenges over the past seven years, and he emphasized that his fresh vision for the industry will contribute to advancing the sector even further.
The event was utilized to showcase the achievements of the NPP government in the fishing sector, such as the establishment of coastal fish landing sites in various communities like Axim in the Nzema East Municipal; Discove in Ahanta West Municipal, Western; Mumford in Gomoa West District, Central; Moree-Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Central; Winneba-Effutu Municipal, Central; Ekumfi- Otuam-Ekumfi District, Central; Mfantseman-Mfantseman Municipal, Central; Senya Breku- Awutu Senya West District, Central, and Elmina- Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem District, Central.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that three landing beaches in the Greater Accra region are currently undergoing construction. He urged the fisherfolk to support his bid for the presidency so that he can continue working in their best interests. The landing sites in Greater Accra are located in Jamestown in the Ga Mashie District, which is 65% complete; Teshie in Ledzokuku Municipal, Greater-Accra, which is 80% complete; and Osu in the Korle Klottey Municipal, which is 99% complete.
In addition to these achievements, the government has also implemented the Coastal Protection Project in Anomabu in the Mfantseman Municipal, Central, which is 75% complete; Komenda-Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, Central, which is 95% complete; and Ningo Prampram-Ningo Prampram District, Greater Accra, which is 50% complete. Furthermore, the government has successfully digitized the distribution of premix fuel across the country through the use of premix fuel automation and monitoring system machines.
Premix Fuel Automation Projects have been successfully completed in various locations such as Nungua, Abia, Kokrobite, Old Ningo, Elavanyo, Wokumagbe, and Otrokpey in the Greater Accra region. Additionally, projects have been finalized in Dadoto, Dambai, and Kete Krachi Main in the Oti region, as well as Yeji A, B, and C in the Bono East Region.
Automation projects are also underway in the Volta Region, Central Region, and the Western Region. The Vice President also outlined other government achievements, including allocating GH¢2 million to the Ministry of Fisheries to combat and prevent the spread of “Infectious Spleen and Kidney Virus Disease”, utilizing all condensate from Ghana Gas for premix fuel to ensure a steady and affordable supply, and training 321 individuals in the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Initiative’s first phase, providing them with fingerlings and fish feed to kickstart their businesses, among other initiatives.
