GNA-Fishers in all four fishing communities of Ghana are being engaged by the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) to raise awareness on their rights.
The engagements are being carried out in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress of Ghana and with support from the International Labour Organisation.
Nana Kweigyah, the National President of CaFGOAG, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the engagements that commenced in Sekondi, Ngyiresia, Nkotompo, and Shama, all in the Western Region, focused on the Trade Union Policy for Decent Work in the Fishing Sector of Ghana.
He said it was also to develop the capabilities of fishermen on their rights and empower them with the needed info on how to pursue those rights.
He said as part of the training, the fishermen were taken through the fundamental principles of rights at work and the provisions in ILO’s Convention C188, which has been ratified by the government of Ghana.
He explained that C188 sets essential standards to protect the welfare of fishers, ensuring decent working conditions, safety, and fair treatment at sea.
Nana Kweigyah stated that the training sessions were also used to discuss the draft code of practice, which further guides employers in implementing ethical practices, enhancing working environments, and safeguarding rights across the fishing industry.
He stated that other issues include the need for unionisation in the artisanal fisheries sector and the right to collective bargaining, which will contribute to improve conditions of work in the sector, and improve standard of living among fishers, and increase productivity in the sector.