Fishermen benefit from LEED training

Fishing is the mainstay of the coastal economy and provides jobs to about 10 % of the Ghanaian economy along the fish value chain.

Although there has been decline in landings over the last decade, fisheries contribute about 1.6% to agricultural gross domestic products - - wealth generated from fisheries is spread and a chunk of the population benefit directly from the sector.

In recent times, most fisher folks have blamed low fish catch on oil exploration and production. The fisheries statistics does not reflect or support such assertion, since 1996 there has been steady decline in fish landings before serious commercial oil exploration started in 2007/2008.

To improve upon the livelihood of fishermen and fishmongers, 26 communities within six coastal districts of the Western Region, namely Shama, Ahanta West, Nzema East, Ellembelle, Jomoro and Sekondi-Takoradi have benefitted from Jubilee Livelihood Enhancement and Enterprise Development (LEED).

The project, implemented by Pyxera Global , an International non governmental organization, managed by Tullow Ghana with funds from the Jubilee Partners since 2012 have trained over 500 fishermen, fish mongers and artisans in business management training, ice box construction, fish smoking oven and new improved skills training as well as an internship program for the youth.

Mr.Ato Van-Ess, the Project Director of Pyxera Global at a press briefing in Takoradi explained that the program scope included activities to improve the capacity of local individuals to enhance their livelihoods and the abilities of small and medium scale enterprises to access new opportunities for growth in the key sectors of the economy.

He said under the business management training, fishermen, fishmongers and artisans were trained and given enterprise skills to enable them profitably manage their respective businesses - - the technical training also equipped artisans in the construction of improved ice boxes and improved fish smoking ovens.

He stated that after the training, 25 small and medium enterprises have been offered business advisory services, six fishermen and 12 fishmongers have been, linked to the Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Credit Union to access credit for their fish mongering activities.

Again, he said nine communities have been assisted in registering their association with the Registrar Generals Department.

“This year, we have visited all communities to meet the chief fishermen, community elders, assembly members, district chief executives and their coordinating directors to inform them about the start of 2013 programme”, he said.

He further explained that activities for this year includes; briefing the fishing communities about the state of the project and solicit feedback for 2012 programme, strategic business management training, entrepreneurship training for the youth, value chain linkages such as credit, raw materials, marketing among others.