The Chief Fisherman of Upper Dixcove in the Western Region, Nana Kwaku Dadzie, has raised concerns over the impact of persistent power outages, popularly known as dumsor, on the fishing industry, warning that the situation threatens livelihoods in the coastal community.
He said frequent electricity interruptions were affecting cold stores used to preserve fish for storage and commercial purposes, putting fish stocks, businesses and the incomes of people along the fishing value chain at risk.
Nana Dadzie made the remarks at a workshop organised by Friends of the Nation (FoN), a non-governmental organisation, to sensitise fishers in Upper and Lower Dixcove to recent developments in the marine sector.
The workshop was held under a project dubbed “Protecting Our Zone, Securing Our Future.”
According to Nana Dadzie, fishing remains the economic backbone of Upper Dixcove, supporting numerous households and businesses in the community.
However, he warned that the persistent power outages were making it increasingly difficult for fishers and fish traders to preserve their catch and sustain their businesses.
He cautioned that if the situation continued, the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing and related activities could be seriously jeopardised.
The Chief Fisherman consequently called on the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the government to take urgent steps to address the recurring power interruptions in the area.
He stressed the need for a lasting solution to the electricity challenges to protect the fishing industry and the economic well-being of residents.
Some fishers and fishmongers who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) also expressed concern about the impact of the outages on their businesses and household finances.
They said the unreliable electricity supply had brought significant hardship, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods and meet their financial obligations.
The affected traders further disclosed that the situation was affecting their ability to provide for their children, particularly those attending second- and third-cycle educational institutions.
