A four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing media advocacy for decent work and labour rights in Ghana's fishing sector has ended.

Dr Daniel Odoom of the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communication, focused on equipping media practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to promote the implementation of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention (C188).

According to Dr Odoom, this convention, which sets out comprehensive standards for the treatment and protection of fishers, is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) on promoting decent work for all.

Overview of ILO Convention C188

He said the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (C188) is a key international treaty that establishes minimum standards for working conditions on board fishing vessels.

It addresses various aspects such as minimum wages, medical examinations, working hours, and contractual terms for fishers. This convention also covers crucial areas like accommodation, food, medical care, and social security protections for fishers, ensuring that they are treated fairly and have access to essential services while at sea.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Media Advocacy

Despite the clear benefits of C188, the workshop highlighted significant gaps in media advocacy on labour rights within Ghana’s fishing industry. He said the current media landscape lacks adequate campaigns that address forced labour, modern-day slavery, and human trafficking within the fishing sector. Additionally, Dr Odoom noted that media engagement with key stakeholders, including government agencies and fishing employers, remains insufficient.

Dr Odoom underscored the importance of increased media action in bridging these gaps, especially in areas such as educating fishers about their rights under C188, developing comprehensive media campaigns on the convention’s provisions and engaging with Parliament, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Fisheries Commission.

The workshop also emphasized the need for media outlets to promote pre-departure labour inspections, including medical screenings for workers boarding artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial vessels.

The inadequate number of labour inspectors and the lack of media advocacy for their recruitment and training were also raised as pressing issues.

Key Challenges and Stakeholders

One of the critical issues discussed during the workshop was the limited recognition of migrant fishers as workers who should be afforded the same rights and protections as local fishers.
The workshop called for the development of a national action plan to address forced labour and improve working conditions in Ghana's fishing sector.

It was noted that these challenges can only be addressed through the concerted efforts of key actors, including government agencies, employers, and the media.

Stakeholders identified during the workshop included the General Agricultural Workers’ Union, the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Trades Union Congress (Ghana), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

These actors play a pivotal role in ensuring that fishers’ rights are upheld and that C188 is implemented effectively across the sector.

The Way Forward for Media Action

Dr Odoom called on the media to take a more active role in advocating for improved labour conditions within the fishing industry.

Key recommendations included increased media education on forced labour and human trafficking, and urging journalists to lead campaigns to raise awareness of these issues in fishing communities.

Others are improved media engagement with stakeholders, where media practitioners collaborate with government bodies, labour unions, and other relevant institutions to ensure the provisions of C188 are widely known and enforced.

Developing targeted media campaigns: There is a need for the creation of campaign materials, including videos, visuals, and written reports, that highlight the rights of fishers under C188.

Enhancing community outreach: Media outlets should also focus on sensitization programmes in fishing communities, where many fishers remain unaware of their rights.

The workshop has laid a solid foundation for media practitioners to amplify their efforts in advocating for decent work and labour rights within Ghana’s fishing sector.

By increasing public awareness, engaging with stakeholders, and developing robust advocacy campaigns, the media can play a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of fishers are protected and that Ghana fully benefits from the standards set by ILO Convention C188.