The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has supplied more than 5,000 different occupational tools to the Western Regional Coordinating Council for onward distribution to the coastal districts in the region.

1500 sewing machines, 2500 hand dryers and over 1000 barbering kits were among the tools distributed.

The Ministry and its partners, including the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, launched the Alternative Livelihood Training Support Programme to empower fishers in coastal communities with sustainable income-generating skills.

Nana Owusu Acheampong, the Special Aide to Mrs Hawa Koomson, the sector minister, handed the equipment to Ms Angelina Badu, the Regional Procurement Officer, at a short ceremony at the Coordinating Council.

He said the intervention was part of activities to ensure an increase in fish stock, while farmers lived on other alternative businesses.

In all, 8,000 fishers from selected coastal communities would be trained and equipped with tools to establish businesses in diverse fields.

The initiative is a significant step towards improving livelihoods, fostering economic resilience, and strengthening coastal communities.

Nana Jojo Solomon, the President, National Canoe Fishermen Council, expressed appreciation for the gesture and said gradually dependent fishers had hope of alternative ventures and a secured future.