A Managing Legal Practitioner, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to consult former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, for her successful aquaculture model.
She said Hawa Koomson’s approach to promoting aquaculture in inland communities during her tenure could provide valuable lessons for creating jobs and reducing unemployment, especially in gold mining areas where many young people engage in illegal mining.
According to Madam Ofori-Boadu, under the former NPP Minister’s leadership, a grant of GH¢30,000 was made available to support youth in setting up aquaculture infrastructure and providing fingerlings.
She believes replicating such initiatives can provide alternative livelihoods for the youth.
“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.
“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 stressed.
She explained that the aquaculture projects introduced in inland forest communities offered a sustainable 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.
