The National Premix Fuel Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture development (MOFA) has outlined plans to do away with the use of wood for the constructing of canoes in the country.
Speaking to Mr. James Azamesu, Public Relations Officer to the Committee on Rite news, he revealed that it is the aim of the ministry to assist fishermen boost the fisheries industry. He said it had been established that the wooden canoes were very expensive due to the depreciating numbers of trees in the wild.
Mr. Azamesu has therefore suggested the introduction of fiber glass in the manufacturing of canoes which he said was a system which is used in other countries, describing it as very affordable and durable for fishermen.
According to him, this was an alternative way to do away with wooden canoes by introducing the fiber glass into the system for the fishermen to sustain the industry, adding that when that research was carried on they considered the cost, durability of the canoe and whether the idea can be successfully implemented in Ghana.
Another option is to send some of the fishermen outside for training on the manufacture of the fibre canoes or bring the manufactures into the country to educate locals on the manufacturing of the fibre canoes.
Source: ritefmonline.org
