The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), has launched a welfare scheme aimed at strengthening social protection and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishers and their families across Ghana.
The initiative, introduced by the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), will provide members with medical support, financial relief during emergencies, access to fishing inputs on credit, and a tailored savings package. The scheme also intends to support the education of fishers’ children and promote alternative livelihoods to ensure long-term resilience.
Speaking at the launch in Shama, Hon. Arthur hailed the initiative as a “groundbreaking step dedicated to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and livelihoods of our hardworking fishers.” She praised the association’s leadership for their commitment to improving the lives of canoe owners, crew members, and fish processors nationwide.
Under the framework, all registered CaFGOAG members are automatically enrolled in the scheme, with each required to contribute GHS100 monthly. Contributions will be managed by a Welfare Scheme Management Committee, with annual reports and independent audits to guarantee accountability and transparency.
Hon. Arthur urged fishers to actively support the scheme through regular contributions:
“By contributing to this welfare fund, you are not only protecting your families but also strengthening a safety net that uplifts our entire fishing community.”
The Minister also reiterated government’s ongoing commitment to building a resilient fisheries sector. She highlighted the passage of the Fisheries Act, 2024 (Act 1146), progress toward Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area at Cape Three Points, and the upcoming National Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers Conference scheduled for November 2025.
She called on NGOs, development partners, and the private sector to support the scheme, describing it as a “practical tool to advance social equity, food security, and inclusive growth within Ghana’s blue economy.”
The launch attracted canoe owners, fish processors, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and media representatives, who described the scheme as a “historic step” toward safeguarding the welfare of Ghana’s fishing communities.
