The Ministry for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has launched a project to support the fishing industry in the country.

The Coastal Sanitation is also aimed at enhancing sanitation at fishing communities in the country.

Launching the project on Friday, September 23, 2016, at Lower Axim in Axim in the Western Region, the Minster for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sherry Ayittey, said the construction of toilet facilities in the fishing communities forms part of infrastructure projects earmarked.

Sherry Ayittey
“Each facility will include the construction of 12-seater toilets with a 12-unit washroom, a pavilion to host social services such as health, education, biogas plant, borehole, and water reservoir for its efficient running,” she said.

The first phase of the project will be implemented in 13 selected fishing communities across the country including Anto Apewosika in Axim in the Western Region.

Also, Anuakpor, James Tow and Kpone in the Greater Accra Region; Dago, Moree and Otuam in the Central Region; Abuesi and Bonyee in the Western Region; Akplortortor, Amutinu and Hedranuwo and Marine Matikpo in the Eastern Region have also been selected for implementation Coastal Sanitation Project.

Sherry Ayittey urged the communities to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the project.

“It is my expectation that they will make maximum use of the facilities and ensure its maintenance,” she adds.

Gov’t committed to fishing industry
The minister said the Coastal Sanitation Project is evidence of government’s commitment to see the fishing industry develop.

Madam Sherry Ayittey said the John Mahama-led administration will continue to distribute fishing input such as outboard motors to support fishermen.

She revealed that government has introduced a programme that enables fishermen to pay 60% of the cost of an outboard motor whiles the District Assemblies pay the remaining 40% through their Common Fund.

She said since the inception of the programme, over 1,600 outboard motors have been distributed to fishermen.

The Minster underscored the importance of the fishing industry, which she identifies as possessing a huge potential to earn foreign exchange for the country.

Ghana’s export of fish and fisheries to the European Union (EU), she said, was over 500 million yearly.

It was against this backdrop that she stressed the need to ensure hygienic sanitary conditions at the landing beaches and fishing communities.

That, she intimated, will enable the fishing industry to take advantage of opportunities out there in terms of export of fish and earn income for themselves and the country as a whole.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lower Axim East, James Baidoe, was full of praise for President John Dramani Mahama for the launch of the Coastal Sanitation Project.

He was hopeful that the project will stem open defecation, especially defecation along the beaches.

“The Costal Sanitation Project will equally keep our beaches clean and help attract tourists which will earn Ghana foreign exchange,” he said.

Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kweku T. Kessie, said it was unfortunate that beaches in the country have become defecating grounds by some recalcitrant residents along the coastal areas.

He warned that after the completion of the project the law will deal ruthlessly with anybody who goes to “desecrate our beaches.”

Myjoyonline.com