Fisheries Commission (FC) in collaboration with the Korean Maritime Institute (KMI) had its first international workshop for fisherwomen to build capacity in processing and distribution on 25th April, 2024 at Crismon Hotel, Tema.
The workshop aimed at disseminating findings from an education demand survey to processors and specifically to train them in various best practices in the fisheries sector to reduce post-harvest losses to ensure their health and wellbeing.
Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi Boadu noted that, the collaboration between the Commission and KMI is a joint effort to empower women in the post-harvest sector and enhance the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries industry.
He mentioned that women play a pivotal role in the fisheries sector, but encounter numerous challenges such as poor infrastructure, bad working conditions, inadequate market infrastructure and high post-harvest losses.
Recognizing these challenges, the Fisheries Commission and KMI jointly developed a project titled “Supporting Post-Harvest Loss Management through Strengthening the Processing and Distribution Capabilities of Fisherwomen to Expand the Value Chain in Ghana’s Fisheries Industry”.
The project seeks to promote economic activities of Ghanaian fish processing, hygiene, and storage facilities, implementation of an educational program for enhancing the processing and distribution capacities of Ghanaian Fisherwomen, and establishment of a master plan.
Mr. Antwi Boadu reiterated that, the project goals are to Achieve Gender Equality, Eradicate Poverty in Ghana, and Develop Ghana’s Fisheries Industry.
He added that the demand for safe and quality fish and fishery products extends beyond national borders, and food safety is essential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - 1, 2, 3, 8, 12 and 17.
Director General for International Cooperation Bureau, KMI, Dr. Deukhoon Peter Han indicated that, the Korean Maritime Institute is dedicated to research to maritime and fisheries policy across various areas.
“The collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD)/FC and Korea goes back to 2012 when Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Korea Africa Fisheries Forum,” he added.
Director, Post-Harvest Management and Trade Division of the Commission, Mad. Janet Gyogluu Anchirinah during a panel discussion, highlighted the Medium-Term Development Plan and the Fisheries Management Plan as effective policies which have aspects to support the implementation of the project.
There were presentations on the Project Progress, Status and Roadmap, ODA Survey on Ghana Fisherwomen Processing and Distribution Capacity, Overview of the Post-Harvest Sector, Food Hygiene Education, Fish Processing Technologies, Introduction to Fish Certification System, Gender-sensitive Awareness, Family Health and on Sustainable Marine Environment by stakeholders of the Post-Harvest sector.
Stakeholders present included Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Food Research Institute (FRI) University of Las Palmas in Spain, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA).
