Fisherfolk at Sekondi Fishing Harbour lament inadequate welfare systems implemented by successive governments in fishing industry
Fisherfolk at Sekondi Fishing Harbour in the Western Region have criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to improve the living standards of fishing communities throughout Ghana.
They lamented that successive administrations have merely paid lip service instead of offering substantial support and effective welfare systems to enhance the lives of those working in the fishing industry.
These concerns were brought to light during a visit by selected journalists to the Sekondi Fishing Harbour, where they engaged with local fishing industry stakeholders. This visit was part of a capacity-building initiative for journalists focused on decent work and labor rights in line with the implementation of the ILO’s Fishing Convention C188.
The training program was organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Fisherfolk argue that, despite their vital contributions to a sustainable fishing sector, the government has done little to recognize their sacrifices.
“Nobody cares about us. We have no insurance, no pension, and no health or medical checks. We’re left to fend for ourselves, especially during the closed seasons, and we can’t even afford premix fuel for our fishing trips,” lamented one fisher.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwame Mensah, the National Project Coordinator of the ILO, emphasized the importance of building journalists’ capacities, as they play a crucial role in educating fishing communities about decent work and the ILO’s Fishing Convention (C188).
“This capacity-building workshop comes at a critical time, especially since Ghana has recently ratified the ILO Work in Fishing Convention. This ratification provides fishers in Ghana with an accountability framework that compels duty bearers to enforce essential labor rights.”
The provisions of the Work in Fishing Convention C188 address numerous welfare-related issues and decent work interventions, including minimum age requirements, recruitment and placement of fishers, medical examinations, hours of rest, safe manning, crew lists, work agreements, payment, and repatriation.
Additionally, it addresses accommodation, food and water, medical care, occupational safety and health, social security, and the protection of fishers in cases of work-related illness, injury, or death.
To improve information flow about the benefits and rights under Convention C188 for fisherfolk, Dr. Daniel Odoom, a senior lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMAC), urged the Ghanaian media to create radio programs, television shows, and articles aimed at educating fishing communities about the convention.
He noted that while the ratification of the convention has the potential to enhance the lives of fisherfolk, many remain unaware of its provisions.
Dr. Odoom called on media practitioners to reshape the narrative in their reporting, emphasizing the need to inform fisherfolk about all aspects of C188.
