PROTECTING OUR FISHING INDUSTRY (JUNE 13, 2009)

LAST month, canoe fishermen predicted a bumper fishing harvest this season, provided logistics such as premix fuel, outboard motors, fishing nets, ropes and safety gear were made available to them at affordable prices.
Additionally, they called on the government to act timeously to institute measures to check pair trawling, which has virtually collapsed the fishing industry.
The distribution of premix fuel, for example, is fraught with many problems, such as the proliferation of outlets owned by individuals rather than fishermen groups, the rampant diversion of the product from the intended destinations, serious shortages, to the disadvantage of the fishermen, and adulteration of regular petrol with premix fuel.
Obviously, the fishermen do not only want to protect the source of their livelihood or group interest but are also desirous of making a meaningful contribution towards meeting the dietary needs of the national population.
Unless the problems articulated by the fisher folk are addressed, the anticipated bumper harvest will be wishful thinking.
Responding to the concerns of the fishermen and recognising the importance of the fishing industry to the country’s economy, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has set up a committee to investigate allegations of malfeasance that has disrupted the sale of premix fuel to fishermen in the country.
Apart from the moves to clean up the distribution of premix, the government has also made payments for the delivery of six fast speed boats to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana Navy to combat pair trawling, which is killing the fishing industry.
The combined effect of the two-pronged attack by the government to address the problems of the fishing industry is refreshing and should be able to give some assurance to fishermen that their concerns are being addressed.
Even as the committee probes the distribution of premix to make its recommendations to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and we await the delivery of the six speed boats by the end of 2009, we are hopeful that the government will turn its attention to solve other problems, such as the high cost of ropes, outboard motors and fishing nets.
We would like to remind fishermen that they also have a role to play in the realisation of the anticipated bumper harvest. The nation has passed the stage where its development should be left wholly on the shoulders of the government.
The fishermen should reciprocate the government’s action by desisting from smuggling their catch to neighbouring countries, pricing fish exorbitantly and smuggling premix fuel.
In the midst of abundant resources, it is unacceptable to see many people die from hunger and its consequences due to malnutrition, including lack of protein.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls on all stakeholders to commit themselves to the goals of eradicating hunger and poverty through the sustainable exploitation of our resources.
Our fishermen owe it to themselves and the nation to apply best standards in plying their trade to provide the protein needs of the people.