The insulated containers which are sponsored by USAID according to the Fisheries Minister, Madam Elizabeth Afoley Quaye is to ensure the country gets more from less through proper handling of fish and to ensure post-harvest losses are controlled; and more importantly, the safety of consumers and quality of fish is assured. 

The Minister noted that, the launch of the insulated containers is in line with the Ministry’s policy of promoting hygienic handling of fish, from the fisherman through processing to the consumer and to ensure that the small quantity of fish got is not wasted through bad handling.

Presenting the first 20 containers to the National Fish Processors and Traders Association, for onward distributions to various fishing communities at Tema Manhean, the Minister urged the women to say no to bad fish and advised them to impress on their male counterparts to desists from engaging in bad fishing practices to save the industry, since most of such illegal practices contributes largely to the continues decline in fish stock in our waters.

She also stated that government through the Ministry will soon introduce soft loan schemes to make available credit facilities to the women in the fishing sector to improve their business.

Meanwhile, the Minister assured of investigations into alleged extortion of money on the sea as reported by the fishermen, and perpetrators dealt with to bring sanity to the system. 

President of the National Fish Processors and Traders Association, Regina Solomon said the launch of the insulated containers has come as a major relief to their business as it will save post-harvest losses.

She also commended the Ministry for commitment exhibited towards improving the livelihoods of the fish processors and traders through various education and sensitization programmes organized for them.

Member of Parliament for Tema East and Deputy Transport Minister, Nii Kwartei Titus Glover who chaired the occasion responded to security concerns raised by the fish processors with the presentation of security lights to be installed at the premises.  He also promised to alert the police to keep a close watch and patrol the area regularly at night to ensure the safety of the women.