The Fishers Welfare Scheme has been launched at Apo-Bakano in the Shama Municipality of the Western Region to promote the social well-being and financial security of fishers in the area.  

Under the scheme, canoe owners are required to contribute a mandatory amount of GH¢100 monthly into an ADB account. The fund will cover health insurance, free health screening, accident and incident benefits, input credit allowances, and a partial withdrawal option after 24 months of continuous savings.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Madam Emelia Arthur, who launched the scheme, lauded the initiative by the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association, describing it as a timely intervention to lift many fishers out of periodic poverty.  

She noted that climate change had made it necessary for fishers to adopt sustainable practices to improve harvests and cautioned against the use of dynamite, light fishing, and unapproved chemicals by women in fish preservation.  

Madam Arthur further announced that the Cape Three Points area had been declared a marine protected zone and urged fishers to comply with the directive to safeguard marine resources.  

She added that crew safety and security remained a major concern for the Ministry and explained that the recent delay in the supply of premix fuel was due to rehabilitation works at the Tema Oil Refinery. She, however, assured that supply would soon stabilise as the government had cleared all outstanding debts.  

President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association, Nana Kweigyah, said the welfare of fishers was vital to the survival of the fishing industry and commended the Ministry for its continued support to artisanal fishers.  

He, however, called for the introduction of a dedicated insurance scheme for fishers and appealed that materials and fishing equipment supplied under government interventions be given directly to canoe owners rather than through intermediaries.