Accra – The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has taken a major step toward improving the welfare and financial security of Ghana’s fisherfolk with a stakeholder consultative meeting on a proposed Pension and Insurance Scheme.
The meeting, chaired by the Chief Director of MoFA, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, on behalf of the Minister, was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
Tailored Protection for Fisherfolk
The engagement brought together key institutional partners including SIC Insurance Company PLC, SSNIT, and General Trust Company Limited to present and discuss custom-designed pension and insurance packages tailored to the unique economic realities of the fisheries sector.
The proposed initiative is anchored in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which makes insurance coverage a requirement for engaging in fishing activities across the country.
The policy seeks to create a practical and sustainable framework that provides comprehensive protection against occupational hazards, illness, loss of income, and old-age vulnerability for actors across the value chain.
Fisheries Associations Make Key Inputs
Leadership and representatives from major fisheries associations actively participated in the consultations. They provided critical insights on seasonal income fluctuations, health and safety hazards at sea and on shore, and the need for flexible and affordable contribution schedules.
The associations present included:
– Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC)
– Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG)
– Ghana Inland Fishermen Council
– National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG)
– Canoe Carvers Association
– National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA)
– African Confederation of Professional Organizations in Artisanal Fisheries (CAOPA)
– Development Action Association (DAA)
– Aquaculture Association
“Products Must Reflect the Realities of Fisherfolk” – Dr. Zakariah
Commending the progress made, Dr. Afisah Zakariah expressed appreciation to all participating organizations for their commitment to building a resilient social safety net for Ghana’s fishing communities.
She emphasized the urgent need for insurance and pension products that respond directly to the lived experiences of fisherfolk.
“I urge SIC, SSNIT, and General Trust Company Limited to integrate stakeholder feedback into the final package design to ensure the scheme is accessible, affordable, and impactful,” she stated.
Next Steps
MoFA reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with industry stakeholders and partner institutions to ensure the successful rollout of the scheme.
When implemented, the Pension and Insurance Scheme is expected to secure livelihoods, improve social protection, and guarantee wellbeing for all actors within Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
_By Daily Newsflash_
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