Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision for Ghana’s fishing communities focuses on improving livelihoods, modernizing the industry, and enhancing sustainability. His approach includes investing in infrastructure, such as fish landing sites and fishing ports, to boost operational capacity and economic growth.
To address post-harvest losses, Dr. Bawumia plans to support the processing, packaging, and preservation of fish, increasing industry profitability and food security. Through initiatives like “Aquaculture for Food and Jobs,” he envisions subsidizing fishing gear, GPS systems, and modern equipment to increase productivity sustainably.
Climate resilience is also central to his plan, with goals to secure climate financing, promote mariculture, and build coastal protections against flooding and erosion. Additionally, he aims to secure reliable condensate fuel for fishing and expand healthcare access in remote fishing areas. Overall, Dr. Bawumia’s vision seeks to uplift fishing communities by promoting economic growth, resilience, and improved living standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How will the Bawumia government support the preservation of fish products and reduce post-harvest losses for fisherfolk?
Answer: A Bawumia-led government plans to invest in the processing, packaging, and preservation of fish products. This will include financial support and guarantees from the Development Bank Ghana to assist fisherfolk in adopting modern preservation techniques. This will reduce post-harvest losses and ensure that fisherfolk can store and sell their products over a longer period, increasing their profitability.
Question 2: What measures are being put in place to ensure a steady fuel supply for fishing communities?
Answer: To ensure a reliable fuel supply for artisanal fishers, the Bawumia government will introduce condensate as a source for pre-mix fuel. This initiative will guarantee an adequate supply of affordable fuel for fishing boats, ensuring that fisherfolk can operate consistently without disruption.
Question 3: What will be done to protect coastal fishing communities from flooding and sea erosion?
Answer: Coastal protection projects will be launched to reduce the impact of flooding and sea erosion in vulnerable fishing communities. These projects will focus on constructing protective infrastructure such as sea walls and revetments, ensuring that coastal areas are safe from natural disasters and protecting the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
Question 4: What specific support will be provided to artisanal fishers under Bawumia’s government?
Answer: Artisanal fishers will receive subsidized gear, including nets, GPS systems, and modern fishing equipment. This support will enable them to fish more efficiently, reduce operational costs, and increase their catch. The introduction of GPS will also help in locating productive fishing grounds and improving safety at sea.
Question 5: How will fishing infrastructure be improved to benefit local economies in coastal areas?
Answer: Coastal fish landing sites and fishing ports will be constructed to improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk. These infrastructures will provide a safe and efficient location for landing and processing fish, thereby enhancing market access, reducing losses, and supporting local economies.
