The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) have distributed outboard motors at highly subsidised prices to fishermen in the Volta Region.
The intervention, which is funded under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), is aimed at empowering fishers with the provision of essential equipment to aid their trade.
An event was held on Tuesday 29th July, 2020 at the forecourt of the Keta Municipal Assembly at which the equipment was handed over to Municipal and District Chief Executives for onward distribution to shortlisted fishers in their respective jurisdictions.
In attendance were Chief Fishermen, members of Landing Beach Committees, Volta Regional wing of the National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFTAP) and officials of the Fisheries Commission.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib indicated that the Authority and MOFAD were undertaking the intervention as directed by the President.
He assured the people that this was a government committed their welfare in a bid to court their support ahead of the election.
“You should remember that this is a government taking care of your welfare and is out there pushing you. Please ensure that this government is the government you have a closer relationship with.”
“What matters who is making the necessary change and impact on your lives,” he added.
The CEO also informed the gathering of the CODA Credit Union, which is designed to provide microcredit facilities to the informal sector including fishers, petty traders and commercial drivers among others, and encouraged members of NAFTAP to form unions to access the support.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye also said the government would put in place all measures to make the business of fishing more lucrative.
To that end, she said her outfit was working hard to end negative fishing practices in addition to the ongoing construction of major fishing infrastructures such as the Jamestown Harbour and the proposed Keta Fishing Harbour.