Government has donated seven outboard motors to fishers in Senya-Beraku in the Central Region following last week’s pirate attack that left several men injured and robbed at sea.
The intervention, directed by President John Dramani Mahama, was carried out by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, together with the Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya West, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui.
Six of the 40 horsepower outboard motors will replace those stolen during the attack, while one has been set aside to support rescue and emergency response efforts within the fishing community.
The presentation ceremony in Senya-Beraku drew scores of residents, many of whom depend on fishing as their main source of income. The recent attack disrupted their work and left families anxious about their safety and survival.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Arthur said the President shares in the pain of the victims and remains committed to protecting fishers and securing Ghana’s territorial waters. She said government’s response demonstrates its resolve to stand by coastal communities in difficult times.
The Minister pointed to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, as a key step in strengthening monitoring, enforcement and safety in the sector. She said government is rolling out measures such as improved registration and licensing of fishing canoes, the introduction of GPS tracking and long range communication systems for artisanal vessels, as well as insurance and pension schemes for fishers.
She added that naval patrol capacity is being enhanced to improve surveillance, deter criminal activity and ensure faster response to emergencies at sea.
On her part, Madam Tetteh Agbotui thanked the President for what she described as a swift and compassionate response. She said since the attack, government has remained in close contact with the affected fishers to ensure they receive timely support.
She also announced that premix fuel would be supplied to enable beneficiaries to return to sea immediately. Expressing gratitude that all the fishers were rescued safely, she urged coastal communities to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture said the fisheries sector remains critical to national food security, employment and stability along the coast. It assured the public that government will continue to act decisively to keep Ghana’s seas safe and protect those whose livelihoods depend on them.
