The leadership of the Ghana National Inshore Fisheries Association and Canoe Owners Association is calling on the government to as a matter of urgency disinfect all coastal areas to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the groups, government must priorities the disinfection of the coastal areas because thousands of fisherfolks depend on fishing for their livelihood.

The President of the Ghana National Inshore Fisheries Association, Joe Kramo, said it was therefore important for the ongoing regional disinfection exercise to be extended to the coastal areas.

“When it comes to fishing boats and canoe, I will plead with the Fisheries Commission through the government, the president should urge them to embark on disinfection exercise at all the harbors, fishing areas along the coastal areas as they’re doing in schools in the country as a matter of urgency” Joe Kramo said on Adom FM’s current affairs talk show, Burning Issues, hosted by Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom.

Joe Kramo stressed the need for such exercise because it’s difficult for fisherfolks to observe the Covid-19 social distancing protocols as directed by the government along the coastal area.

“The Fisheries Commission and the entire Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is doing their best but they can do better by providing more PPEs to fisherfolks within the coastal areas” Joe Kramo stressed.

Contributing to the in-studio discussions, the Secretary of the Tema Canoe Owners Association, Adjetey Tawiah on his part said the government must also institute a mass testing policy for all fisherfolks within the coastal areas.

He believes the testing will enhance government’s efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Adjetey Tawiah stressed that people who will be tested positive at the end of the mass testing can be quickly isolated and given proper treatment to curtail more spread of the virus.

He also urged fishermen and stakeholders within the value chain to contribute their quota to support the government in the fight against the pandemic.