The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) have partnered to provide training for canoe owners and fishers in the Western Region of Ghana, with the aim of eradicating forced labour in marine fisheries and promoting sustainable practices. During the training, the importance of ratifying occupational safety and health conventions, such as C155 and C187, was emphasized, along with the need to adhere to the C188 Work in Fishing Convention, which sets minimum requirements for working conditions on fishing vessels.
Participants in the training expressed their commitment to improving their relationships with workers, promoting accountability, and enrolling them in social protection packages. They also pledged to share their knowledge with others in the sector and called for more training sessions to address challenges in the industry.
This collaborative effort by the ILO and GNCFC, supported by canoe owners and fishers, is a significant step towards eliminating forced labour in Ghana’s marine fisheries sector and ensuring that workers are treated fairly while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
