Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has praised Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah for the Blue Water initiative.
According to her, she is delighted to witness the introduction of the Blue Water Guards, who will tackle galamseyers.
Madam Arthur noted that the impact of these activities on fisheries is significant, with declining fish stocks from both sea and inland rivers.
“To revitalize the sector, we’re focusing on aquaculture development, which requires clean water. Unfortunately, water contamination hinders our efforts. President John Dramani Mahama’s initiative to reset the fisheries and aquaculture sector aims to create jobs for young people.
I commend the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources for recognizing the symbiotic link between our ministries and applaud the work done so far,” she said during the passing out ceremony of the Blue Water guards on April 14.
Highlighting the fishing industry’s significant contribution to Ghana’s economy, Arthur noted that 60% of Ghana’s animal protein comes from fisheries, that is 1.1% contribution to GDP.
She noted that fisheries sector plays a notable part in Ghana’s economic landscape.
On employment and livelihood enhancement, the Minister said, “Approximately 3 million Ghanaians depend on fisheries for food, livelihood, and income.”
Madam Emelia Arthur lamented the devastating impact of galamsey activities on water bodies, leading to increased fish depletion.
She emphasized that fisheries encompass not only ocean-based fishing but also inland and river body fisheries, all of which are crucial to Ghana’s food security and economy.
“All river bodies flow into the sea, and the poisonous effects of galamsey activities are devastating our waterways and land, ultimately impacting the sea. This has resulted in the loss of indigenous fish species and aquatic resources,” she bemoaned.
