The Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers Council of Ghana, has appealed to the government and traditional authorities to formally recognise inland fishing communities and their leadership structures as important development partners in the fisheries sector.
Delivering a welcome address during an engagement with government representatives and stakeholders at Kete-krachi in the Oti Region, the National Vice President of the Council, Mr Daniel Akpaglo Nyamekor, highlighted the historical and economic contributions of fishing communities that emerged following the creation of the Akosombo Dam.
He noted that the Volta Lake had created substantial employment opportunities for small-scale fishers and encouraged migration from southern Ghana to lakeside communities in the northern sector of the lake.
According to him, many migrant fishers had settled permanently along the lake and combined fishing with farming activities to support their livelihoods.
Mr Nyamekor stated that several settlements, which initially started as small fishing camps, had grown into large communities with schools, markets and other social amenities.
However, he observed that many of these communities and their leaders were yet to receive full recognition from the state and some traditional authorities as key stakeholders in national development.
The Council explained that Chief Fishermen had been established in many fishing communities to settle disputes, maintain peace and mediate between fisherfolk and indigenous communities.
It therefore appealed to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the government to empower Chief Fishermen and their councils to function effectively in regulating and protecting the fisheries industry.
The Council also emphasised the role of traditional regulations in environmental conservation, noting that sustainability and responsible resource management were once central to fisheries’ traditions.
It expressed concern over the limited authority of local leaders to enforce responsible fishing practices and called for stronger collaboration with government institutions.
On social development, the Council appealed to the government, through the District Assemblies, to provide scholarships for students from fishing communities to pursue training as teachers and nurses.
According to the Council, such initiatives would improve access to quality education and healthcare services in lakeside communities.
Touching on governance within the fisheries sector, the Council referenced the President’s campaign assurance regarding the role of Chief Fishermen as chairpersons of Landing Beach Committees (LBCs).
It urged the government to operationalise the structure to enhance accountability in premix fuel distribution and improve management within the sector.
The Council further disclosed that it had constituted a nine-member executive committee, headed by the Chief Fisherman, to coordinate welfare and development initiatives for fisherfolk.
It also called on stakeholders to intensify education on fisheries policies and the sustainable use of the Volta Lake ecosystem.
The Council urged Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the government to climax this year’s International Fisheries Conference celebrations at Kete-Krachi in the Oti Region.
Stakeholders present at the engagement commended the address and expressed optimism that continued dialogue with community leaders would strengthen inclusivity and sustainable development in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
At the event, Nana Kwadwo Yemowe II, Chief of Kantankofore, called on stakeholders in Ghana’s fisheries sector to strengthen collaboration and promote responsible livelihoods for present and future generations.
Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of Nana Mprah Besemuna II, paramount chief of Kete-krachi and the people of Kantankofore at a meeting of the Chief fishermen and queen fishmongers council -inland Ghana in Krachi West, Nana Yemowe II, commended the council for creating a platform for dialogue, reflection and coordinated action to address pressing challenges confronting the fisheries sector.
He acknowledged the vital role played by fishermen and queen fishmongers is sustaining household incomes, enhancing national food security and preserving the cultural and economic heritage of fishing communities across the country.
While applauding government and sector stakeholders for ongoing reforms, the chief expressed concern over activities that threaten the sustainability of water bodies and public health.
He cited indiscriminate disposal of waste into rivers and lakes, the use of chemicals and other unapproved fishing methods as well as unsafe fish preservation and smoking practices that compromise fish quality and reduce consumer confidence.
He highlighted the issue of child labour in some fishing communities, urged both parents, fishermen and fishmongers to balance skills transfer with formal education, stressing that quality education remains essential in breaking cycles of vulnerability and preparing children for future leadership roles within the sector.
Nana Yemowe II, encouraged traditional leaders, government agencies and fisheries associations to foster constructive partnerships based on mutual respect in addressing critical issues such as premix fuel distribution, declining fish stocks and community welfare.
