The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is set to roll out a nationwide registration and licensing programme for artisanal fishing vessels by June 2026, in a major push to modernise the sector and enhance safety at sea.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, said the new regime will make registration mandatory for artisanal fishers, formalising their operations and strengthening regulatory oversight. Central to the reform is the installation of advanced tracking and communication devices on fishing canoes to enable real-time monitoring and faster emergency response.
The proposed system will allow fishers to remain connected even when they move beyond conventional network coverage, improving distress alert capabilities and supporting search and rescue operations.
Beyond safety enhancements, the Ministry is also developing an insurance and pension scheme tailored for artisanal fishers, aimed at providing social protection and long-term financial security for those in the industry.
The Minister disclosed these plans after presenting seven outboard motors and GH¢5,000 each to canoe owners affected by a recent armed robbery attack at sea in Senya Breku. The assistance formed part of government support for 71 fishermen impacted by the incident.
Meanwhile, Awutu Senya West MP Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui revealed that military psychologists have been deployed to counsel the victims as they prepare to return to work, underscoring efforts to address both the economic and psychological impact of the attack.
The reforms signal a broader government strategy to digitise artisanal fishing, improve safety standards, and strengthen resilience within coastal communities.
