A new council with a focus on advancing the cause of fishers through strengthened leadership, improved welfare, and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices in the country has been launched at Anomabo.

The formation of the National Council of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers is to help guide Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector by promoting good governance, especially in artisanal fishing.

The launch was also used to swear in the council's interim executives and present 15 of 188 Yamaha outboard motors as part of the council's flagship programme aimed at improving access to essential fishing inputs and equipment.

The council represents both inland and coastal fishing communities across Ghana.

The council has as the President, Nana Kwamena Sankah II; the Vice-President, Akpaglo Nyamekor; the General Secretary, Nana Kwame Yah Ababio III; the Treasurer, Nii Abiala and the Financial Secretary, Katsopor Worlanyo.

The rest are the Organiser, Ahu Ben Agbozo; the Public Relations Officer, Nana Adam Eduafo; the Women Organisers, Mama Ameyedoe Agu II and Naa Mansa Agyeman I, and the National Administrator, Kwesi Johnson.

Some fishermen from Togo graced the occasion.

Protecting the industry

Speaking at the event, the President of the Council, Nana Kwamina Sankah II, said fishing predated colonial rule and remained a vital source of livelihood for many Ghanaians, stressing the need to protect both the industry and the marine environment.

He revealed that discussions with President John Dramani Mahama had resulted in assurances of the government’s support for the fishing sector, but emphasised that fishers also had a responsibility to reciprocate by protecting the sea and using approved fishing tools.

Nana Sankah II expressed concern about the growing use of expensive fishing machinery, stating that such developments often favoured wealthy operators while sidelining less-privileged fishers.

He said the council would advocate fairness and explore the establishment of a fishermen’s bank to reduce reliance on loans with high interest rates.

He also highlighted the importance of cleanliness along landing beaches, noting that well-maintained shorelines could boost tourism and local economic development, citing examples from other countries.

He further suggested water transport using boats between regions as a means of easing road congestion.

“If the government is doing its part, then we as fishers must also do ours. Togetherness, truthfulness and trust must guide this council,” he stated.

He stressed that the formation of the group was not to compete with any existing institution, but to serve as a bridge between traditional authority, government and development partners.

He stressed that the council’s core focus would be the sustainability of fisheries, development of fishing communities and the welfare and dignity of fishers and processors across Ghana and the Gulf of Guinea.

Maintenance of fishing equipment

Addressing participants, the Omanhen of Anomabo, Nana Amoonu XII, underscored the need for proper maintenance of fishing equipment and urged leaders of the council to continue fighting for better tools and resources for their people.

On maritime safety, a Project Officer for Friends of the Nations, Philip Prah, drew attention to the dangers faced by fishers at sea, citing research which suggested that many lives were lost daily due to poor safety systems.

He presented ALON, a GPS-based address system aimed at assisting in locating fishers at sea during emergencies, which enhanced rescue efforts and communication between land and sea.

He emphasised the need to obtain this system to better identify the locations of individuals in distress.

The Mfantsiman Municipal Director of the Fisheries Commission, Sarah Sarfo, commended the council for its initiative and urged members to desist from harmful fishing practices that threatened marine life and their own safety.

The Women Organiser of the council, Mama Ameyedoe Agu, called on the Nkonkohemaa (Fishmarket Queen) to support their leaders and work in unity, while urging men to reciprocate by supporting women in their roles within the fishing value chain.

The launch marked a renewed commitment to unity, safety and sustainability in Ghana’s fishing industry, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the council would help secure the future of artisanal fishing for generations to come.