Sekondi: Fishers in all four fishing communities of Ghana are being engaged by the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) to raise awareness on their rights. The engagements are being carried out in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress of Ghana and with support from the International Labour Organisation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Kweigyah, the National President of CaFGOAG, shared in an interview that the engagements commenced in Sekondi, Ngyiresia, Nkotompo, and Shama, all located in the Western Region. The focus of these engagements is the Trade Union Policy for Decent Work in the Fishing Sector of Ghana. The initiative aims to develop the capabilities of fishermen regarding their rights and to equip them with essential information on how to pursue these rights effectively.
As part of the training, the fishermen were educated on the fundamental principles of rights at work and the provisions outlined in ILO’s Convention C188, which has been ratified by the governme
nt of Ghana. Nana Kweigyah explained that Convention C188 establishes essential standards to protect the welfare of fishers, ensuring decent working conditions, safety, and fair treatment at sea.
The training sessions also included discussions on the draft code of practice, which provides further guidance to employers on implementing ethical practices, enhancing working environments, and safeguarding rights across the fishing industry. Additionally, the engagements addressed the importance of unionisation in the artisanal fisheries sector and the right to collective bargaining. These efforts aim to improve working conditions, enhance the standard of living among fishers, and boost productivity in the sector.