Following last week’s pirate attack, the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, directed the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, and the Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya West, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, to donate seven (7) 40HP outboard motors to fishers in Senya Beraku.
Out of the seven outboard motors presented, six (6) are intended to replace those stolen during the attack, while one (1) is intended to help rescue and emergency response actions in the fishing community.
The presentation, conducted in Senya Beraku in the Central Region, is part of the government’s fast response after many Ghanaian fishermen were assaulted at sea and their outboard motors and other valuables forcibly taken.
Fishing operations were momentarily stopped, and the impacted families’ livelihoods were put in jeopardy.
Speaking to the assembly, Hon. Emelia Arthur expressed the President’s support and care for the victims while highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghanaian fishermen and the nation’s territorial seas.
She pointed out that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which was just passed, has improved safety, monitoring, and enforcement procedures in the fishing industry.
The Minister claims that the government is taking other steps, such as enhancing fishing canoe registration and licensing, introducing GPS tracking and long-range communication systems for artisanal watercraft, and launching insurance and pension plans for fishermen.
The Minister added that in order to prevent future attacks and guarantee safer fishing activities, the government is strengthening navy patrol capabilities to increase monitoring, deterrent, and quick response at sea.
Hon. Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui thanked the President for keeping his word to the people of Awutu-Senya West.
She said that the government has kept in constant contact with the impacted fishermen since the regrettable event and promised them prompt assistance.
She also said that premix fuel would be provided so the recipients could start fishing again right away.
She thanked God for all of the fishermen’s safe rescue and urged fishing communities to stay watchful and report any suspicious activity at sea right away.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture promised the public that the government will continue to take decisive action to maintain the safety and security of Ghana’s oceans and reaffirmed the importance of fisheries to the country’s food security, employment, and coastal stability.
Source: newsthemegh.com