The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) has granted the request of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) to recognise and include small-scale fishers in the 16th Conference of Ministers for member countries. This marks the first time that representatives of small-scale fishers are participating in such a conference.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 16th edition of the conference is being held from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. Nana Kweigyah, the national President of CaFGOAG, praised the FCWC for its decision to recognize the associations request, highlighting it as a significant step toward strengthening participatory and inclusive fisheries governance within the sub-region. He noted that the decision aligns with FCWCs commitment to co-management principles and the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines).
Kweigyah emphasized the importance of involving small-scale fishers in decision-making processes affecting their livelihoods and the sustainability of marine resources. He pointed out that small-scale fishers are vital contributors to food security, coastal economies, and community resilience, playing a crucial role in the social, economic, and cultural development of communities.
He expressed that the participation of small-scale fishers in the ministerial conference provides an opportunity to contribute directly to policy dialogue and decision-making on regional cooperation for addressing common challenges in the fisheries sector. He looks forward to engaging in discussions, sharing perspectives, innovations, and challenges faced by small-scale fishers across the sub-region.
Kweigyah extended gratitude to the Secretary General and the FCWC Secretariat, the Conference of Ministers, and the associations partners, Blue Ventures, for their support in facilitating small-scale participation in the conference. He expressed hope that this inclusion will lead to stronger collaboration between policymakers and artisanal fishing communities in implementing actions necessary for restoring fish stocks for communities.