Fisheries Minister promises support for tidal waves victims in Central Region

The Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development Minister and MP for Krowor Constituency, Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye has assured fishing communities that were affected by the tidal waves on Sunday 11, in the Central Region of government’s support to restore their lost and damaged canoes and fishing nets.

The Minister gave the assurance when she met with the fisher folks Wednesday at Ankarful, Kormantse, Abandze, Anomabo and Cape Coast to assess the degree of damage to life and properties.

She was in the company of her Deputy, Francis Ato Cudjoe, MP for Mfantseman where the communities are located Hon. Ekow Quansah Hayford, MCE for Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, Kenneth Kelly Essuman.

In all, one death was recorded at Cape Coast, 8 canoes, 3 fishing nets were destroyed in Ankafu, 8 canoes, 5 nets destroyed and 2 persons injured at Abandze whilst Anonmabo also had some casualties.

She commiserated with the victims on the loss of their properties and assured them of Nana Addo’s commitment to providing support and as well as building a landing beach for them.

And in that regard, 15 landing beaches would be constructed across the country within their 4year mandate – with James Town and Elmina being fishing harbours whilst the rest will be landing sites. She responded to an appeal made by the Queen Mother of Anomabo Traditional Area, Nana Abroba Dabor I on the completion of a fishing college in Anomabo; saying ” that project shall surely be continued and completed”.

The Queen Mother lamented the lack of education about modern ways of fishing on the part of the fishermen, for that matter were helpless in the occurrence of the tidal waves. Therefore, such a project is targeted at giving education and training to the fisher folks.

Also, on the issue of insurance, Hon. Afoley Quaye mentioned that government would sit and strategize with fishermen to create a viable and sustainable insurance scheme for their lives, canoes and nets.

She again expressed concerns over the use of monofilament net (rubber net) which has been outlawed and admonished particularly the people of Central Region since they are the most culprits. The Ministry will hold stakeholders Consultation, engage in sensitisation and education for the fishermen.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Patrick Ofoe Nudzi