The leadership of some fishing associations under the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has offered its support to the Minister-designate for Fisheries, Hawa Koomson.
According to the fishermen, they were ready to work with Mrs. Koomson, and hope for her approval by the Parliamentary vetting committee.
Over the weekend, the Leadership and members of some fishing groups including; the Ghana National Canoe Fisherman Council, Ghana Inland Fisheries, National Association of Fisheries and Processors as well as the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association paid a courtesy call on the minister-designate in Osu Castle, Accra.
Speaking on behalf of the fishermen, President of the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association, Joseph Nii Armah Quaye, assured the Minister-designate of their willingness to work with her and also update her on some of the teething challenges facing them.
“We want you to pay your attention to aquaculture especially fish farming and mariculture. And if these are tackled on the issues of unemployment rate amongst youth will be addressed. Also, it will help yield financial dividends to the country’s purse.”
The Public Relations Officer of the National Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Nana Joojo Solomon, also stressed the need for the minister-designate to be open and create an enabling environment to accommodate views and opinions from stakeholders in the industry when given the clearance by parliament to take office.
Commending the fisherfolks, the minister-designate for fisheries and aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, assured them of her determination to work with them for the progress of the sector and mother Ghana.
She also assured them of her readiness to ensure the fishing sector bounces back to its past glory. “The fishing ministry under my leadership will be transformed. I will make sure the sector is well equipped and developed for the betterment of the industry and also yield the desired results expected by stakeholders”.
The Associations however expect parliament to endorse the minister-designate as soon as possible.
Source: A1radioonline.com/101.1MHDz/Moses Apiah/Ghana
