The FCWC conference has brought together an extraordinary assembly of regional leaders in Monrovia.
Monrovia, December 12, 2024: Member Countries of the Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) have gathered in Monrovia to start the FCWC’s 15th Ministerial Fisheries Conference officially.
Fisheries Directors and Technicians from FCWC Member Countries and several Partners and Donors gathered in the Liberian Capital on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at a local hotel to start the conference.
The three-day FCWC conference runs from 11-13 December 2024, with two days of technical discussions.
It will lead to the Ministerial meeting on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
Welcoming visitors from Africa, Europe, and other parts of the World to Liberia, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Deputy Director General for Technical Services Mr. William Y. Boeh disclosed that the conference offers an opportunity to forge actionable strategies and foster deeper regional collaboration.
Boeh also stated that the event is a defining moment for Liberia as a host country expected to assume the FCWC chairmanship.
As Chair, he noted that Liberia will demonstrate its unwavering commitment to regional leadership and collaboration.
“This event is a defining moment for Liberia. By assuming the FCWC Chairmanship, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to regional leadership and collaboration,” said Mr. Boeh.
“We are honored to serve as a hub for these critical discussions and to work with our fellow member states to drive meaningful progress,” he stated.
Commenting on the composition of the delegates at the conference, Mr. Boeh pointed out that the conference has brought together an extraordinary assembly of regional leaders.
He also named technical experts, policymakers, and partners dedicated to safeguarding one of the most vital resources, ‘the Fisheries of West Central Gulf of Guinea.
Additionally, the NaFAA Deputy Director General disclosed that the Fisheries in the West Central Gulf of Guinea are faced with challenges that threaten food security.
On behalf of NaFAA boss Emma Metieh Glassco, Mr. Boeh indicated that overfishing, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing (IUU), climate change, and governance gaps as some of the many challenges facing the region.
Mr. Fred Antwi-Boadu,
The Executive Director of Ghana Fisheries Commission and Chairman of the Advisory and Coordinating Committee declared the 15th Ministerial Conference open in Monrovia.
Mr. Antwi-Boadu said the meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the necessary steps for strengthening cooperation among the six member countries of the FCWC.
“Our focus is to promote decent work and sustainable practices within the fisheries sector while strengthening the resilience of our marine ecosystems,” Mr. Antwi-Boadu said.
“These objectives go hand in hand with our oceans’ health and directly impact our people’s prosperity.”
By taking a comprehensive approach emphasizing sustainability and equity, he indicated that the FCWC countries can ensure that their marine resources continue supporting future generations.
Mr. Antwi-Boadu also noted that the fisheries sector in West Africa holds enormous economic, social, and environmental significance.
He suggested that it also provides livelihoods for millions, supports food security, and contributes to the regional economy.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General indicated that the challenges facing the fishing sector in the region are multiple and complex.
“These issues concern the present and engage our responsibility towards future generations.”
Mr. Antoine Gaston Djihinto noted that these challenges should give rise to building an integrated, responsible, and sustainable governance of fisheries resources.
He added that governance must combine rational exploitation and conservation of resources while offering equitable social and economic benefits for the populations.
Meanwhile, the FCWC Secretary-General added that the Advisory and Coordinating Committee session represents a valuable opportunity to engage in dialogue, analyze regional issues, and propose concrete solutions.
“I am confident that your informed contributions, informed by your respective expertise, will help formulate solid and pragmatic recommendations to be submitted to the Conference of Ministers.”
