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CEMLAWS organises workshop on transparency and accountability
A day’s workshop aimed at disseminating the findings on transparency and accountability in Ghana’s fisheries sector project has been held in Accra.
Organised by the Centre for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) Africa yesterday, the transparency and accountability in Ghana’s fisheries sector project was funded through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans project titled: Enhancing Transparency in the Fisheries Sector of Ghana.
The project which was carried out in four African countries including Ghana sought to evaluate transparency and accountability gaps within the fisheries sector, with a focus on governance and policy framework.
According to the Programmes Manager at (CEMLAWS) Africa, Dr Rebecca K. Essamuah, although there had been transparency by the government in the fisheries sector, more could be done to improve it.
She explained that transparency mechanisms in the fisheries sector could be improved by making information more available, and including stakeholders in decision-making for their voice to be heard.
Dr Essamuah further underscored the need to have a concerted effort that was geared towards achieving a sustainable fisheries sector as efforts to meet transparency goals were scattered.
In addition, she noted that the project had three main objectives which were to assess the transparency and accountability, to assess the functional information-sharing mechanisms and to find out how transparency was being held across the regions in terms of governance and enforcement in the fisheries sector.
The Board Chairman of the Fisheries Commission (FC), Professor Francis Nunoo noted that his outfit was collecting data on fisheries to help improve the inland fisheries sector.
This, he said, was important due to limited data in the inland fisheries sector compared to the marine fisheries sector.
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Prof Nunoo further bemoaned how information or data obtained from the FC by stakeholders in the fisheries sector and individuals were often misinterpreted and therefore recommended a formal engagement with stakeholders in the fisheries sector to better explain the data obtained to them as the sector was the least understood in West Africa.
He asserted that although the government had supported the FC over the past years, the FC still faced challenges in terms of data collection which affected its operations.
The Board Chairman therefore urged the government to assist the FC by providing it with adequate resources to help in data collection to help the FC manage the fisheries sector effectively.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), in a keynote address read on her behalf by a representative from the MoFAD noted that good governance, transparency, and accountability were essential for the sustainable management of natural resources in Ghana, including fisheries and aquaculture.
The Minister emphasised government’s commitment to improve transparency and accountability in the fisheries sector by collaborating with stakeholders in the implementation of fisheries policies, plans and management measures.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
