The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has announced that construction of a modern fish market in Dambai, Oti Region, will commence within the next two months.
She announced this on Thursday during an official working visit to Dambai, as part of her ongoing nationwide inland fisheries tour to engage key stakeholders, identify sector challenges, and develop targeted policy interventions.
The Minister, together with some delegations, held discussions with inland fishers and fish processors before inspecting the proposed site earmarked for the market.
“Once completed, it would substantially improve fish handling, storage, hygiene, and trading activities in the area,” she said.
The Minister responded to concerns raised by fisherfolk during the engagement and spoke at length on the management and distribution of premix fuel, as a crucial input for fishing operations in the area.
She explained the legal provisions governing the composition of Premix Fuel Committee members and outlined the approved selling price of premix fuel for the benefit of fisherfolk.
She further stated that, under existing regulations, 53 per cent of all proceeds generated from premix fuel sales must be channelled into community development projects.
The Minister assured fisherfolk of the government’s commitment to supporting the sector in essential fishing inputs, including outboard motors.
She said the government intends to subsidise a portion of the cost of the inputs, while beneficiaries would pay the remaining balance through structured instalment arrangements.
She noted that this approach would ease the financial burden on fishing communities while ensuring broad access to modern equipment.
She also highlighted plans by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to introduce pension and insurance schemes tailored specifically for fisherfolk. She said the schemes are intended to enhance the welfare and long-term financial security of workers in the sector.
The Minister emphasised the importance of licensing all fishing canoes operating in Ghana’s inland waters and noted that the licensing requirement forms a key part of the government’s efforts to strengthen regulation, improve accountability and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s fisheries sector.
She urged fisherfolk and fishing community leaders to cooperate with regulatory authorities and to take advantage of the government’s support programmes as they are rolled out.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
