The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has assured fisherfolk in Dambai that work on a modern fish market will begin within the next two months.
She made the announcement during a working visit to the area as part of her ongoing nationwide tour of inland fisheries communities. The tour aims to engage stakeholders directly and identify solutions to challenges facing the sector.
After interacting with inland fishers and fish processors, the minister and her team inspected the proposed site for the new market, which is expected to significantly improve fish handling, storage, hygiene standards, and overall trading activities in Dambai.
Addressing concerns raised by the fisherfolk, Emelia Arthur provided clarifications on the management and distribution of premix fuel. She outlined the legal requirements for the composition of Premix Fuel Committees, the approved selling price, and the directive that 53 percent of proceeds from sales must be allocated to community development projects.
The minister also reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the inland fisheries sector. She disclosed plans to provide fishing inputs, including outboard motors, with government subsidising part of the cost while beneficiaries pay the balance through instalment arrangements.
Additionally, the Ministry is working on introducing pension and insurance schemes for fisherfolk to enhance their welfare and long-term financial security.
Emelia Arthur further stressed the need for all fishing canoes to be licensed as part of broader efforts to strengthen regulation, accountability, and sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
The Dambai visit forms part of the Ministry’s continuous engagement with inland fishing communities across the country to gather first-hand information and design practical interventions that support livelihoods, food security, and sustainable fisheries.