Minister of Fisheries and Acquaculture, Emilia Arthur, has announced government’s intention to roll out a robust registration and licensing regime for artisanal fishing vessels.

According to the Minister, the policy which is expected to kick off mid-year 2026, is aimed at ensuring effective monitoring of activities on Ghanaian waters.

She said a component of the registration policy will be the installation of hi-tech tracking and communication devices in artisanal canoes which will help fishers place timely distress calls as well as aid search and rescue efforts during emergency.

The Minister spoke to Sompa TV's  Eric Annan when she presented seven outboard motors and a cash of GHS 5,000 each to artisanal vessel owners whose canoes came under attack by armed robbers while at sea in Senya Beraku last week in fulfillment of government’s promise.

Meanwhile, Member Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Hon. Gizela Tetteh-Agbotui, says government has drawn a team of psychologists from the military to offer counselling and guidance to all the 71 robbery victims as they prepare to go back to sea.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan