The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has taken delivery of 1,300 Yamaha outboard motors to be distributed to fisherfolk within the Coastal Development Zone (CDZ) at highly subsidized prices as part of efforts by the Authority to boost Ghana’s fishing industry, empower the fishers and strengthen their families.

Speaking with the media, the Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib explained that his outfit had procured 5,000 outboard motors to be distributed in line with the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to implement pro-poor social intervention programs through the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) of which CODA is an implementing Authority. Officials of CODA and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) went to inspect the outboard motors at the premises of Japan Motors at Tema on Tuesday 28th April 2020.

Beneficiaries

The CEO stated that the intended beneficiaries are identified poor fishers who need the outboard motors to enable them continue to do their business effectively but are faced with financial challenges due to several factors. He added that to ensure the right beneficiaries receive the support, CODA embarked on a sensitization exercise at all fishing locations within the CDZ to inform, educate and explain the modalities to the fisherfolk. Thus, the beneficiaries have been saving in preparation to meet their cost as they will have up to two months to pay from the day of receiving the outboard motors which is an essential equipment for fishing.

Additionally, CODA constituted committees at all landing locations to scrutinize, shortlist and recommend potential beneficiaries based on the agreed criteria to ensure that those in the greatest and most urgent need receive the outboard motors. Each committee comprises representatives of CODA, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. The Regional Minister, Landing Beach Committees and Association of Canoe Owners are also represented on the committees that worked to select beneficiaries.

All this was done to ensure transparency, accountability and equity in the distribution of the outboard motors, according to the CEO.



Unprecedented subsidy

Under the terms of CODA’s intervention, a 40 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor which currently sells at GHS18,376 will be offered to beneficiaries at GHS10,000 as directed by the President. This unprecedented level of subsidy represents a reduction of prices by 45.6 percent compared to market prices.

CODA is undertaking a variety of projects in 109 constituencies in six regions of Ghana to accelerate economic and social development through IPEP under the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives.