The Fisheries Minister Introduces a Welfare Program to Protect Shama Fishermen’s Livelihoods
45
The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) Welfare Scheme, a ground-breaking program created to offer social protection, emergency relief, and livelihood support for fishermen and their families, was formally introduced by Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Hon. Arthur, who spoke during the ceremony in Shama, called the program a “groundbreaking initiative dedicated to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and livelihoods of our hard-working fishers.”
She praised CaFGOAG’s leadership for their vision and dedication to enhancing the lives of fish processors, crew members, and canoe owners nationwide.
Members will have access to medical care, emergency financial assistance, credit for fishing supplies, and a special savings program through the Welfare Scheme.
Additionally, it seeks to support the education of children of fishermen and encourage future alternative sources of income.
According to the rules, each registered CaFGOAG member is automatically enrolled in the program and pays a GHS100 monthly fee.
A Welfare Scheme Management Committee will oversee the administration of these monies, and to guarantee accountability and transparency, there will be yearly reports and audits.
Hon. Arthur emphasised the value of shared accountability and exhorted fishermen to fully engage in the plan:
“By making regular contributions to the welfare fund, you will not only secure protection for your own families but also help build a stronger safety net that uplifts and sustains our entire fishing community.”
The Fisheries Act, 2024 (Act 1146); the ongoing plans to create Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area at Cape Three Points; and the forthcoming National Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers Conference in November 2025 are just a few examples of the government’s commitment to bolstering the fishing industry, the Minister added.
She described the welfare programme as a useful instrument to promote social justice, food security, and inclusive growth within Ghana’s blue economy and urged NGOs, the commercial sector, and development partners to support it.
Stakeholders referred to the launch ceremony, which brought together canoe owners, fish processors, community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media, as a “historic step” in ensuring the well-being of Ghana’s fishing communities.
Source: newsthemegh.com
