A new $2 million initiative aimed at strengthening the role of women and youth in Ghana’s fisheries value chain has been launched in Accra, with a focus on improving livelihoods, promoting sustainable fishing practices and enhancing social protection within fishing communities.
The project, titled “Economic Mobility and Protection of Women, Youth and Ecosystems for Resilient Fishers (EMPoWER)”, will run for three years from 2026 to 2028. It is funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by three fisheries-focused non-governmental organisations: Hen Mpoano, Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association and Development Action Association.
Launching the project, Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, welcomed the initiative and commended the Norwegian Government and implementing organisations for supporting efforts to strengthen the country’s fisheries sector.
She noted that the project comes at a critical time when fish stocks in Ghana’s waters are declining, despite fish remaining a major source of nutrition for the population.
“About 60 per cent of Ghana’s animal protein comes from fish, yet fish stocks are depleting due to several factors affecting production,” she said.
Mrs Arthur emphasised that empowering women and youth in the sector would help promote responsible fishing practices and safeguard the aquatic food value chain.
According to her, strengthening the skills and knowledge of women involved in fish handling and processing would also help ensure safe and high-quality aquatic food for consumers.
Meanwhile, Kofi Agbogah, Executive Director of Hen Mpoano and lead coordinator of the project, said the initiative would organise women and young people in fishing communities into cooperatives to improve their access to finance and production resources.
He explained that the programme would also provide training and certification support to help participants meet market standards and adopt best practices in the fisheries value chain.
Mr Agbogah added that these measures were expected to boost production capacity, improve skills and ultimately increase incomes for beneficiaries in artisanal fishing communities.
