The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, is advancing plans to improve the financial security and social protection of fisherfolk through a proposed pension and insurance initiative tailored to the needs of workers across Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The initiative, being developed in partnership with the State Insurance Company PLC (SIC) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), is expected to provide greater protection against accidents, illness, loss of income, and old-age vulnerability for fisherfolk and other actors whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
As part of the process, MoFA and the Fisheries Commission held a stakeholder meeting with representatives of SIC, SSNIT, and various fisheries associations to review pension and insurance packages designed for fisherfolk, fish processors, fish traders, aquaculture operators, and other fisheries stakeholders.
The discussions focused on the economic realities of the sector, including “seasonal incomes, occupational risks, health and safety concerns, and the need for affordable and flexible contribution arrangements.”
The Ministry said the contributions from the various fisheries associations “are expected to help SIC and SSNIT refine the proposed packages to ensure they are practical, accessible, and beneficial to fisherfolk nationwide.”
Chairing the meeting, the Chief Director of MoFA, Dr Afisah Zakariah, commended the progress made so far and expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their commitment to developing a sustainable social protection framework for the fisheries sector.
She emphasised the importance of developing pension and insurance products that reflect the realities of people working in the sector.
Zakariah “emphasized the importance of creating pension and insurance products that respond to the specific circumstances of fisherfolk” and encouraged SIC and SSNIT to incorporate the suggestions raised during the meeting to further improve the proposed packages.
The initiative forms part of MoFA’s broader efforts to promote decent livelihoods, financial security and social inclusion within Ghana’s fisheries sector.
According to the Ministry, the initiative is intended to ensure that fisherfolk and other fisheries-sector actors can enjoy greater protection against accidents, illness, loss of income, and old-age vulnerability.
The Ministry says it remains committed to working with relevant institutions and fisheries stakeholders to develop innovative support systems that enhance the wellbeing and resilience of communities that depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.
