The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has procured 660 Suzuki outboard motors to be distributed to fisher folks in Greater Accra, Central, Western and Volta Regions at a subsidised price.
This is the third tranche of outboard motors received this year to be distributed to deprived fishers grappling to maintain their livelihoods in various coastal regions.
The initiative under the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives is aimed at distributing the motors at a subsidized price of 50% of the original price. This forms a part of the government’s effort to shape the fishing industry.
Briefing the media at the inspection of the motors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CODA, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, indicated that the Authority procured the outboard motors on the directive of the President to help alleviate poverty among fishers by empowering them to do their business through the distribution of outboard motors at highly subsidized prices.
“The 15 horsepower Suzuki outboard motors which sells at GHc14,500.00 will be subsidized and sold at GHc 5,000 while the 40 horse power sold at GHc20,000 will be subsidized to 10,000. This is the directive by the President. So, if you own a canoe and cannot afford the original prices on the market, just contact your respective regional ministers or metropolitan assemblies so you purchase one. It is affordable and available.’’ He said.
Initially, CODA had procured 5,000 outboard motors to be distributed in line with the vision of President Akufo-Addo to implement pro-poor social intervention programs through the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) of which CODA is an implementing agency.
The first and second tranche of outboard motors have been distributed to fishers in Greater Accra, Central, Western and Volta Regions respectively.
