Enhancing Awareness and Safety in Ghana’s Fishing Industry
A training workshop focused on fishing safety standards and incident reporting was recently held in Takoradi, Western Region. This event brought together selected journalists and fishers to discuss critical issues surrounding the safety of artisanal fishers in Ghana.
Organized by Friends of the Nation (FoN) and ProSea Marine Education, the workshop was part of the Marine SafeNet Ghana project. The primary goal of the initiative was to improve the understanding of journalists regarding the challenges faced by small-scale fishers, including safety standards, threats, and incidents that occur at sea.
The Role of Media in Promoting Safety
Executive Director of FoN, Donkris Mevuta, emphasized the significant role that the media plays in raising awareness and influencing policy decisions. He stated that accurate and empathetic reporting is essential to ensure that the struggles and achievements of fishers are recognized and valued.
“Reporting with empathy, accuracy, and consistency ensures that fishers’ struggles and achievements are seen, respected, and never forgotten,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that every fisher goes to sea with hope and returns home safely. We can change the story from tragedy to transformation.”
Mevuta highlighted that small-scale fishers are often the unsung heroes of food security, coastal culture, and community resilience. However, he also pointed out that fishing remains one of the most dangerous jobs globally.
Global and Local Challenges
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), more than 24,000 fishers lose their lives each year worldwide. Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports an average of 80 fatalities and 100 injuries daily. In Ghana, where small-scale fishers constitute over 90% of the fishing workforce, every journey to sea carries a sense of uncertainty.
“When accidents or near misses happen, the loss goes far beyond numbers: It is the loss of fathers and brothers and the breaking of families and communities,” Mevuta explained.
He attributed some of these accidents to poor vessel conditions, limited safety gear, and worsening weather caused by climate change. These factors contribute to the risks that fishers face on a daily basis.
Call for Collaborative Efforts
Mevuta reiterated his call for the media to work collaboratively towards safer, fairer, and more sustainable working conditions for fishers. He urged journalists to play an active role in highlighting the importance of safety measures and advocating for better practices within the industry.
Conclusion
The training workshop in Takoradi underscores the importance of collaboration between media professionals and fishers to address the pressing issues in the fishing industry. By promoting awareness and accurate reporting, the media can help create a safer environment for those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.
Through continued efforts and partnerships, there is potential to transform the narrative around fishing from one of tragedy to one of resilience and progress. This initiative serves as a vital step towards ensuring that every fisher can return home safely after each journey to sea.