The government has donated seven powerful 40 horsepower outboard motors to fishing communities in Senya Beraku, providing immediate relief to families affected by last week’s pirate attack at sea.
The presentation was made on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, together with the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Akushika Tetteh Agbotui.
Six of the outboard motors will directly replace those stolen during the violent robbery that left several fishermen injured and robbed of essential equipment. The seventh motor has been set aside specifically to support rescue and emergency response efforts within the community.
The ceremony drew large crowds of residents, many of whom rely entirely on fishing for their daily survival. The recent attack disrupted their work, created widespread fear, and left families worried about both safety and income.
Speaking to the gathering, Minister Arthur said the President shares deeply in the pain of the victims and remains fully committed to protecting fishers and securing Ghana’s territorial waters.
“This donation shows that government stands with our coastal communities in difficult times,” she said. “We are determined to ensure our fishers can go to sea safely and return home to their families.”
She pointed to the recently passed Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) as a major step forward in improving monitoring, enforcement, and overall safety in the sector. She outlined several ongoing initiatives, including improved registration and licensing of fishing canoes, introduction of GPS tracking and long range communication systems for artisanal vessels, and plans for insurance and pension schemes for fishers.
Naval patrol capacity is also being strengthened to increase surveillance, deter criminal activity, and enable faster emergency responses at sea.
MP Gizella Tetteh Agbotui thanked President Mahama for what she called a swift and compassionate response. She confirmed that government has stayed in close contact with the affected fishers since the attack and assured them of continued support.
Premix fuel will also be supplied to the beneficiaries to help them return to sea immediately, she added. Expressing relief that all the fishermen were rescued safely, she urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture reiterated that the sector remains vital to national food security, employment, and coastal stability. Officials pledged that government will continue to act decisively to keep Ghana’s seas safe and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
