Fisheries Ministry Advances Pension and Insurance Initiative for Fisherfolk
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has taken a step toward improving the welfare and social protection of Ghana’s fisherfolk by holding a stakeholder meeting on the proposed Pension and Insurance Initiative for actors across the fisheries sector.
The meeting, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room, brought together representatives from the State Insurance Company, PLC (SIC) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), who presented and explained a range of pension and insurance packages specifically designed to meet the unique needs of fisherfolk, fish processors, fish traders, aquaculture operators, and other fisheries stakeholders.
Representatives of various fisheries associations also participated in the discussions, providing valuable insights into the realities of the sector, including seasonal incomes, occupational risks, health and safety concerns, and the need for affordable and flexible contribution arrangements.
Their contributions are expected to help SIC and SSNIT refine the proposed packages to ensure they are practical, accessible, and beneficial to fisherfolk nationwide.
Chairing the meeting, the Chief Director of MoFA, Dr Afisah Zakariah, commended the progress made so far and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment to developing a sustainable social protection framework for the fisheries sector.
She emphasised the importance of creating pension and insurance products that respond to the specific circumstances of fisherfolk and encouraged SIC and SSNIT to incorporate the suggestions raised during the meeting to further improve the packages.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote decent livelihoods, financial security, and social inclusion within Ghana’s fisheries sector, ensuring that fisherfolk can enjoy greater protection against accidents, illness, loss of income, and old-age vulnerability.
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