Insurance for fishermen to be launched in December
Plans are set for the government to roll out life insurance policies for fisher folks across the country in December, Ms Sherry Ayitey, Minister of Fisheries and Aqua-Culture has hinted.
She explained that the policy was aimed at cushioning fishermen with payment of compensation in the event of personal accidents or having their working tools damaged during their fishing expeditions.
The minister made this known in Cape Coast when she met various stakeholders in the fishing sector in the Central Region, to discuss positive action options to secure and revamp the fishing industry
Although she did not mention which insurance companies are to execute the policy she, said these corporate entities would be visiting the landing beaches to start the execution of the scheme from December.
Mrs Ayitey advised fishermen who have not registered their canoes to do so to be able to fully enjoy the facility as the policy would benefit only fishermen who have their canoes registered.
She mentioned among other things that the establishment of many cold stores and the construction of a fish processing factory along the coastal belt of the Region is an indication of the government’s commitment to improve living conditions of the fisher folks.
She stated that government would start giving out micro-credit loans to fish mongers in November to enable them expand their businesses.
Ms Ayitey said the fishing industry would soon boom and become the backbone of the Region once again considering the huge investment government has so far made in the sector.
Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, Regional Minister charged the fisher folks to desist from the frequent use of illegal fishing practices adding that they would be at the losing end should the fishing industry collapse.
He called on stakeholders to see the sea as a national asset and work together to protect, maintain and ensure its sustainability for posterity.
Mr Quansah advised the fish mongers who would receive micro credit from the government to use it wisely such that they could pay back as expected for others to benefit.
Nana Kwame Yaa-Ababio III, Chief Fisherman of Agyaa and the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council expressed gratitude to the minister for the steps taken to revive the fishing sector.
Source: GNA