Accra: The Government is taking steps to bolster the regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the safety of Ghana's marine sector, as announced by Mrs. Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach, Mrs. Arthur advocated for partnerships to foster a sustainable future for the oceans.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Arthur's remarks were delivered during the sixth Ocean Centres Ghana workshop in Accra, which focused on the theme 'Safer Fishing, Stronger Livelihoods: Vessel Safety, Worker Welfare, and Emergency Readiness in Ghana's Fisheries.' This event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration to improve safety in the marine industry.
Mrs. Arthur highlighted the critical importance of sustainable ocean management amid challenges such as climate change and overfishing. She stressed the need for innovative solutions to protect ocean resources for future generations, noting the economic and well-being significance of Ghana's coastal ecosystems.
She also emphasized that safety should be inherently understood and practiced, making worker welfare a crucial part of the discussion. The Government remains committed to supporting safety initiatives within the ocean sector.
Mr. Tolu Lacroix, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, voiced concerns over frequent accidents in the sector and urged the development of a policy framework to safeguard fishermen's safety. Research presented at the workshop revealed that approximately 14,000 fishing vessels operate in Ghana, primarily artisanal boats, employing over 300,000 individuals. Alarmingly, nine out of ten fishermen are susceptible to injuries.
Nana Boakye Boampong, Country Lead of Ocean Centres Ghana, advocated for enhanced safety infrastructure to bridge existing gaps. He reiterated the organization's mission to influence standards and policies in the marine sector. Mr. Boampong called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to facilitate safer and more sustainable ocean economies.
Participants at the workshop underscored the importance of synergy among various stakeholders to tackle safety challenges effectively.