Vision Statement by Greater Accra Canoe Owners Association at the ...
1 VISION STATEMENT BY GREATER ACCRA CANOE OWNERS ASSOCIATION
“THE GHANA WE DESIRE “ Delivered by Adjetey Tawia Date: 26th November 2015 Venue: Mensvic Hotel, Accra -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The importance of the fisheries sector in the socio-economic development of Ghana cannot be overemphasised. With the maritime coastline of 550 kilometers stretching from Aflao in the east to Half Assini in the west, the fishing industry plays a major role in sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction in several households and communities. The sector is estimated to contribute about 3.9 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 11 percent of agricultural GDP (according to the 2008 Budget). For a long time, fish has remained the preferred and cheapest source of animal protein with about 75 percent of total annual production consumed locally. Given that the fisheries sector contributes greatly to food security, poverty reduction, and employment, we propose the following: 1. That all fish are tested for their wholesomeness at the landing beaches or ports of entry before they are certified for consumption. This is because some are caught by using dangerous chemical such as DDT, which is poisonous to human beings. 2. In this regard, we expect the state to ensure that regulations on the quality and standards of fish products are in force and operational at all times. 3. Even though pair trawling and the use of lights in fishing are illegal, they still go on in disguised forms. These destroy the natural habitat of the fish and immature fish. The state must enforce all the regulations on fisheries without fear or favour. 4. The control of our leaders by politicians must be stopped so that we can organise into unions to press for our own common needs. 5. There should be equitable distribution of premix fuel to all fishermen.
REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Vision Statement by Greater Accra Canoe Owners Association ©NDPC, 2015
2 6. Ghana must mitigate the impact of oil exploration on fisheries. 7. There needs to be a sub-committee on fisheries at the various MMDAs where fishing is a major economic activity to attend to the needs of fishermen. 8. All stakeholders, including the state, must work towards minimising conflicts between industrial, inshore vessels and canoe owners 9. The capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to be strengthened to monitor effectively pollution from the oil and gas industry. 10. The government should ensure the protection of the livelihoods of the population who depend on the fisheries industry by safeguarding their activities from the excesses of oil and gas exploration through the development and implementation of appropriate policies. Thank you for your attention.
REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Vision Statement by Greater Accra Canoe Owners Association ©NDPC, 2015
“THE GHANA WE DESIRE “ Delivered by Adjetey Tawia Date: 26th November 2015 Venue: Mensvic Hotel, Accra -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The importance of the fisheries sector in the socio-economic development of Ghana cannot be overemphasised. With the maritime coastline of 550 kilometers stretching from Aflao in the east to Half Assini in the west, the fishing industry plays a major role in sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction in several households and communities. The sector is estimated to contribute about 3.9 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 11 percent of agricultural GDP (according to the 2008 Budget). For a long time, fish has remained the preferred and cheapest source of animal protein with about 75 percent of total annual production consumed locally. Given that the fisheries sector contributes greatly to food security, poverty reduction, and employment, we propose the following: 1. That all fish are tested for their wholesomeness at the landing beaches or ports of entry before they are certified for consumption. This is because some are caught by using dangerous chemical such as DDT, which is poisonous to human beings. 2. In this regard, we expect the state to ensure that regulations on the quality and standards of fish products are in force and operational at all times. 3. Even though pair trawling and the use of lights in fishing are illegal, they still go on in disguised forms. These destroy the natural habitat of the fish and immature fish. The state must enforce all the regulations on fisheries without fear or favour. 4. The control of our leaders by politicians must be stopped so that we can organise into unions to press for our own common needs. 5. There should be equitable distribution of premix fuel to all fishermen.
REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Vision Statement by Greater Accra Canoe Owners Association ©NDPC, 2015
2 6. Ghana must mitigate the impact of oil exploration on fisheries. 7. There needs to be a sub-committee on fisheries at the various MMDAs where fishing is a major economic activity to attend to the needs of fishermen. 8. All stakeholders, including the state, must work towards minimising conflicts between industrial, inshore vessels and canoe owners 9. The capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to be strengthened to monitor effectively pollution from the oil and gas industry. 10. The government should ensure the protection of the livelihoods of the population who depend on the fisheries industry by safeguarding their activities from the excesses of oil and gas exploration through the development and implementation of appropriate policies. Thank you for your attention.
REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE LONG-TERM NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Vision Statement by Greater Accra Canoe Owners Association ©NDPC, 2015
