President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to provide a pickup vehicle and a bus to the Fishermen’s Council.
Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur made this known at the National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers held to mark World Fisheries Day 2025 in Accra on Friday.
Speaking at the event, She Arthur expressed gratitude to the chief fishermen and queen fishmongers for their leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their communities.
“I am happy to inform you that the president has directed me to provide a pickup vehicle and a bus to the fishermen’s house,” she announced.
The Minister noted that the voices of chief fishermen and queen fishmongers are essential in restoring marine resources for future generations.
She explained that the conference was both historic and necessary, as the transformation in the fisheries sector depends on the leadership, experience and authority of traditional custodians.
The Minister stated that with the passage of the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 (Act 1146), it is timely and essential that key actors come together to understand the law, clarify their responsibilities and strengthen the partnership between communities and government.
“Only through shared stewardship can we ensure compliance, transparency and sustainable recovery of our fisheries,” she said.
The Minister disclosed that the conference examined critical topics including understanding the new Act 1146 and the roles of chief fishermen and fishmongers, community-driven monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.
She noted that discussions also covered transparency and accountability in community resource management, including the premix fuel regime.
The Minister revealed that strong issues emerged from the conference, including the need for formal recognition and codification of traditional indigenous knowledge in fisheries management, the diminishing authority of chief fishermen, and the urgent need for legal empowerment.
She stated that concerns about political interference that undermine effective fisheries management were also raised.
The Minister noted that challenges in the premix fuel regime, including hoarding, diversion, and the misalignment of subsidies that often fail to reach intended beneficiaries, came up during discussions.
She described the conference as an inspiring blend of scholars, practitioners, enforcement agencies and traditional leaders, noting that it was a sight to behold watching professors and chief fishermen speak on the same platform.
Madam Arthur expressed sincere appreciation to the people and government of Norway for their support in the fisheries sector.
She also thanked conference partners including the Blue Lake Ocean Initiative, Blue Ventures, and Ocean Pride, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropic Advisors, for making the conference possible.
“Their conversations were frank, insightful, and ignited by one message: communities want real change and they are ready to lead it,” the Minister stated.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
