High cost pushes fisherfolk in Western Region to resort to secondhand canoes

Fisherfolk in the Western Region are raising concern about the future of their businesses as the high cost of acquiring new canoes continues to put a strain on their livelihoods.

Many are now turning to second-hand canoes as a more affordable alternative, but they are concerned this may not be a sustainable solution in the long term.

The high cost of new canoes, fisherfolk explain, is largely due to the complex and expensive processes involved in acquiring them.

According to Richard Enstie Secretary to the Chief Fisherman of Abuesi, the have been paying the statutory fees to the Forestry Commission and being confronted with additional, unapproved charges from security personnel when they gather timber for canoe construction.

“It’s not just about the price of the canoe itself. After paying the fees to the Forestry Commission, we still face additional charges from security officers. This makes the whole process even more expensive and difficult.”

According to him, livelihood of fishermen has been hit hard as most Fisher folks have folded up owing to the exorbitant nature of the business.

“Due to every day increase in cost of doing business, most of our people have folded up. Some have folded out of the fishing business. They have sold out their canoes has they find it difficult to even do maintenance,” he said.

Opanyin Kwesi, a local canoe owner, shared his experience with the challenges of purchasing a new canoe.

“Buying a new canoe these days is nearly impossible for many of us. The prices are too high, and on top of that, the process to get the materials is full of hurdles. I once went to Sefwi to get wood for a new canoe. On our way, we were confronted by security operatives demanding us to gift them something before they allow us to pass or risk having my wood confiscated… For fear of that l was compelled to gift them,” he bemoaned.

With the cost rising and the process becoming increasingly difficult, many fisherfolk are now relying on second-hand canoes to continue their work.

“Second-hand canoes are all we can afford now, but it won’t last. These canoes don’t last forever, and we need a sustainable solution to protect our livelihoods.”

To alleviate their struggles, fisherfolk are urging the new administration to step in and help streamline the canoe acquisition process. They are calling for a more regulated system that would include issuing licenses to canoe owners intending to acquire new canoes.

Fisherfolk are hoping for action that will make the canoe acquisition process more affordable and sustainable for the future of their businesses.

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