The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), representing five fishing associations, conducted its extraordinary general meeting to elect new executive members after the adoption of a new constitution. The associations under NAFAG include the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Ghana Inland Fisheries Council, Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association, Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association, and the Ghana Tuna Association.
Following two rounds of elections, Nana Joojo Solomon emerged as the elected President of NAFAG, securing 26 votes. Mr Richster Amarfio was declared the Vice President, and other elected members include Ms Kate Ansah as Secretary, Mr Robert Azumah as Financial Secretary, and Mr Joseph Nii Amarh as Treasurer.
The newly elected President, Nana Joojo Solomon, expressed gratitude to the members and pledged to collaborate with the executive team to secure funding for activities and influence fisheries sector policies. He raised concerns about political interference in the sector, urging politicians to refrain from infiltrating the industry.
Mr. Enock Boadu Amo, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, conveyed the ministry's support for associations like NAFAG, emphasizing the importance of industry players' suggestions in policy formulation. Mr. Emmanuel Kwame Mensah from the International Labour Office-Ghana commended NAFAG for the elections and encouraged attention to the ILO C188—Work in Fishing Convention, 2007.
Goodwill messages were also received from the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity. The election marked a significant transition for NAFAG after two decades under interim management.
