Accra: A fisheries sector project, dubbed: 'Economic Mobility and Protection of Women, Youth and Ecosystems for Resilient Fishers (EMPoWER)' has been launched in Accra to build the capacity of women and youth in the industry. It is also to enhance social protection, and promote environmental sustainability within artisanal fishing communities across the aquatic food value chain.
According to Ghana News Agency, the $2 million three-year (2026-2028) project is funded by the Norwegian Government and is being implemented by three fisheries sector NGOs: Hen Mpoano, CEWEFIA, and the Development Action Association. Mrs. Emelia Arthur, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, commended the implementers and the Norwegian Government for their continued support to Ghana's fisheries sector. She emphasized the critical nature of the project, given the depletion of fish in the country's waters and the necessity for fishers to adopt safe fishing methods and practices.
Mrs. Arthur highlighted the importance of building the capacity of women and youth to safeguard the sector against unsafe practices impacting the aquatic food value chain. She noted that 60 percent of Ghana's animal protein comes from fish, underscoring the urgency of addressing the factors affecting production. The project aims to ensure safe fish and aquatic food consumption by empowering women fishers involved in product handling and processing.
Mr. Kofi Agbogah, the Executive Director of Hen Mpoano and Lead Coordinator of the project, stated that they plan to organize women and youth into cooperatives to facilitate access to capital and enhance production. He added that training would be provided to certify their skills and products to meet best market standards and practices. These initiatives are expected to build capacities, improve skills, enhance production capabilities, and increase earnings.