A Managing Legal Practitioner, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, has praised former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, for her efforts in promoting aquaculture in inland communities during her tenure.
According to her, under Hawa Koomson’s leadership, a grant of GH¢30,000 was provided to the youth to support aquaculture infrastructure and fingerlings.
She believes this initiative aimed to create jobs and reduce unemployment, particularly in gold mining areas where many young people are engaged in illegal mining activities.
Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day show on Thursday, July 17, Madam Ofori-Boadu suggested consulting Hawa Koomson for her successful aquaculture template to support government efforts in job creation and income generation.
“I remember the Fisheries Commission under the Honorable Hawa Koomson, one of the best Fisheries Ministers we’ve ever had, decided there should be a focus on aquaculture because it’s not every Ghanaian who is near the sea,” she said.
She stressed that aquaculture projects introduced in inland forest communities provided a viable alternative to galamsey for young people.
“She has the template, and I’m sure the ministry also has it, where a grant of GH¢30,000 was given to youth so they could set up infrastructure for aquaculture and get fingerlings,” Madam Ofori-Boadu added.
She further urged the government to consult the former minister on strategies that could help reduce unemployment and provide alternative livelihoods for the youth.
“Talk to her. Ask her for advice. We are looking for jobs for the youth, especially in gold mining areas, so they can earn more than the GH¢100 or GH¢200 they get from galamsey. That’s all I want to say,” she said.
