Fishermen in Elmina in the Central Region have honoured President John Evans Atta Mills for his contribution to the development of the country's fishing industry, especially, for artisanal fishermen.

They therefore conferred the title "Ofarnyi Kweigya," the highest title among the fishing community on the President and insisted that he should be called President Ofarnyi Kweigya Atta Mills.

To seal the title, the fishermen presented a stool decorated in the national colours of red, gold and green to the President.

It was received by Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, the Central Regional Minister on behalf of the President.

The honouring of the President was done at a ceremony on Tuesday to present fishing nets to 150 fishermen from the area.

Costing GH¢45,000, the nets were procured from profits from the sale of pre-mix fuel by the fishermen.

Eight other fishermen from the area were honoured for their contribution to the development of the fishing industry in the area.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture-in-charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale, commended the fishermen for their efforts to improve the standard of living in the area.

He urged the fishermen to report to the authorities large vessels that enter areas allocated for canoe fishermen.

The law forbids such vessels to carry out expedition within 30 metres deep and six kilometres of the country's coast, he warned.

The deputy minister urged other landing beaches, committees to emulate the example by the Elmina Landing Beach Committees.

Accepting the honour on behalf of the President, Mrs Benyiwa-Doe, praised the fishermen and the Elmina Landing Beach committee for the provision of nets to fishermen at no cost and urged them to improve on it.

The profit on the sale of pre-mix, she said, should be expanded to address other challenges confronting the people.