Women are central to Ghana’s fisheries sector but continue to face major challenges despite their contribution to the industry, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has said.
Speaking at a community dialogue in Shama organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Fisheries Commission and the Global Fisheries Resilience Action, the minister said women play a leading role across the fisheries value chain, including fish processing, preservation, trading, marketing and financing fishing activities.
She said their efforts had often been overlooked even though they remain critical to sustaining coastal livelihoods.
Mrs Arthur announced that feasibility studies were ongoing for the construction of a fishing harbour in Shama, a project she said was being championed by President John Dramani Mahama to improve livelihoods in the area.
She also revealed plans for a modern fish market in Shama to support women involved in fish roasting, frying and trading. According to her, the project is expected to create jobs and improve working conditions for fish processors and traders.
The minister said the government was also introducing improved fish processing methods to protect the health of workers while safeguarding livelihoods.
On child labour, Mrs Arthur urged non governmental organisations and stakeholders to consider Ghana’s cultural and economic realities when addressing the issue.
She shared her personal experience of helping her grandmother while growing up and pursuing her education.
“It only becomes a problem when children are denied access to education because of their parents’ selfish interests,” she said.
“Allow your children to learn and work with you, but do not deprive them of education.”
The minister also stressed the importance of observing the annual close season and non fishing days aimed at protecting fish stocks. She warned that anyone who violated the regulations would face sanctions.
She thanked the Fisheries Commission, development partners and women in Shama for their contribution to the sector and called for collective efforts to build a more sustainable fisheries industry.
The Shama District Chief Executive, Paul Otis Dentu, encouraged greater training and inclusion of women to help eliminate poor quality fish from the market.
The Western Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Charles Teye, said the commission remained committed to improving outcomes for fishing communities in the region.
The event also featured presentations by officials from the Fisheries Commission on proper fish handling and processing practices.
Another speaker, Baviina Safia Musah, urged women to take advantage of emerging opportunities and financial support schemes aimed at empowering them economically. She said women were often trusted by financial institutions because of their strong repayment records.
Health officials also educated participants on the prevention of diseases including hypertension, diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.
Representatives from organisations including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other fisheries stakeholders attended the dialogue.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for greater inclusion of women, improved infrastructure and sustainable fishing practices to strengthen Ghana’s fisheries sector and support coastal communities.
