Governance Dialogue Process Developing Nested Fisheries Governance in the Western Region

23 Fisheries Commission Hen Mpoano continued to work with the Fisheries Commission at the regional and national levels. The Fisheries Commission endorsed the Fisheries Working Group and supported the training of institutions along the prosecution chain for fisheries law enforcement. Also, the Commission assisted with organizing the national fisheries dialogue. Hen Mpoano provided varied assistance to the Fisheries Commission including capacity building for staff, donation of computer and safety equipment as well as refurbishment of parts of the regional offices. In August 2012, CRC sponsored the Western Regional Director of Fisheries; Mr. Alex Sabah to a two-week fisheries leadership course at the University of Rhode Island. Western Region Fisheries Working Group The creation of the Fisheries Working Group FWG by the Hen Mpoano Initiative with approval from the Fisheries Commission has served as a forum for dialogue on fisheries issues in the Western Region. She engaged with the Chairman and Director of the Fisheries Commission to discuss pertinent issues in the sector, principally on alternative structures and roles for co- management at the community scale. The FWG also made important inputs towards good governance in the fisheries sector, proposing strategies for intensification of education of fishers to encourage voluntary compliance of the fisheries laws. They have documented and contributed suggestions to the Fisheries Commission and the EPA on safety measures in pre-mix distribution to avoid fire disasters, like it happened in Axim. Fisherfolk Communicators Twelve 12 fisherfolk communicators were trained in fisheries communications for community advocacy. An important observation during community outreach was that the fisherfolks were very comfortable and enjoyed listening to their kith and kin. Targeted Community Engagement: Youth Workshop The study tour to Senegal highlighted the importance of youth and women involvement in fisheries management. A similar observation was highlighted working with fishers of Dixcove. A strategy for a participatory digital story telling workshop was put together. The objective of the workshop dubbed “Hen Dzi” Our Voice documented issues around fisheries in Dixcove from the perspective of young people. Participants at the workshop included fishermen, fishmongers, students and teachers. The event was an opportunity to explore the issues and learn advocacy skills.

1.2.3 Governance Dialogue Process

Hen Mpoano through stakeholder participation sought to initiate discussion towards the development of a legislative initiative on co-management. Table 12 outlines the planned outputs and accomplishment in the dialogue process. 24 Planned Outputs Accomplishment Legal and institutional analysis completed Underway as a basis for a legislative initiative in the fisheries sector. This process will be completed in Year 4 Consultative selection of dialog participants Completed and enabled a range of fisheries sector interests local, national and international to participate in Fisheries dialogue Background papers completed Done Dialog held Second national fisheries dialogue in April 2012. Proceeding of the dialogue completed and circulated Policy brief draft for circulation On hold Policy brief released On hold Draft scientific publication on consultative processes Under review Table 12: Governance Dialogue A second national fisheries governance dialogue held in April 2012 was and attended by diverse stakeholders, including parliamentarians, national and international governance researchers and fishmongers. The dialogue was aimed at generating a shared understanding of critical lessons and pathways for fisheries co-management success in Ghana. It was a direct response to the call from both fisheries communities and the Government of Ghana for a change from the way fisheries resources are currently managed. Key issues for co-management synthesized included the need for: • a system of fisheries governance where community based management units are well- connected to higher levels of management • chief fishermenwomen be central in any co-management arrangements • a shift in skills and capacity for both government and communities • a legal framework to support co-management The dialogue highlighted common grounds that exist between fisheries stakeholders in their understanding of the need for reform and continuous dialogue to ensure that the voice of all stakeholders is considered in the process of designing and implementing a legislative instrument for co-management system for fisheries in Ghana. Figure 8 Participants at the Fisheries Dialogue 25

1.2.4 Promoting Compliance and Enforcement of Fisheries Laws