US, Ghana team up to strengthen fishing industry

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hawa Koomson

On March 30, 2021, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher J. Lamora joined officials from Ghana’s government, academia, civil society and the private sector in a virtual learning event marking the conclusion of the project Sustainable Fisheries Management (SFMP), a seven-year, $ 24 million program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hawa Koomson, and the Executive Director of the Ghana Fisheries Commission, Michael Arthur Dadzie, were among the participants.

In his remarks, Deputy Chef de Mission Lamora praised the work of the SFMP to strengthen the management of the fisheries sector, noting that “we should all celebrate our collective achievements while recognizing that more work is needed to save the fisheries from small pelagics from Ghana, which are in a dire state. ”

He also reaffirmed the willingness of the United States government to work with stakeholders to rebuild the fish stocks that are increasingly threatened due to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to help secure a supply. local, nutritious and sustainable in protein.

Speaking at the event, Minister Koomsoon added, “Together we can change the narrative and support actions for sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries to ensure food security and livelihoods for fishermen”.

As part of the SFMP, the University of Rhode Island has partnered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission to strengthen data-driven decision-making, improve the regulatory framework for the sector fisheries, adopt responsible fishing practices to facilitate the rebuilding of Ghana’s marine fish stocks, and ensure viable livelihoods for fishermen.

The project also facilitated the very first month-long closure season in Ghana for the small marine canoe sector in 2019 to help replenish depleted species and launched a canoe identification card system to better regulate the number. canoes active in the area.

SFMP complemented Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat the immediate effects of COVID-19 by disseminating information to fishing communities on health and safety protocols, including through a widely viewed video produced by popular Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata, and piloted an economic safety net program with approximately 2,000 vulnerable households.