Economic Mobility And Protection Of Women, Youth For Resilient Fisheries (EMPOWER)
Ghana’s coastal fisheries, particularly small pelagic stocks, are facing a severe crisis driven by overfishing, habitat degradation, illegal fishing, and weak governance systems. The abrupt closure of the USAID Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity in 2025 further disrupted ongoing recovery efforts, creating an urgent need for coordinated, community-driven action. In response, Hen Mpoano is implementing a three-year initiative to restore marine food systems, strengthen livelihoods, and promote inclusive and science-based fisheries governance across Ghana’s coastal regions.
The project adopts an integrated approach that combines ecosystem restoration, fisheries governance, livelihood development, and social protection.
It is being implemented in partnership with CEWEFIA and Development Action Association (DAA), targeting coastal communities across all four regions as well as key estuarine systems such as the Densu and Volta.
A central focus of the initiative is transforming aquaculture into a viable and sustainable economic sector. Through training, technical support, and improved access to inputs, clam fishers and youth are supported to adopt modern aquaculture practices that increase productivity and profitability. Community-managed aquaculture systems are being piloted alongside mangrove restoration efforts to strengthen the ecological foundations that sustain aquatic food production.
The project also strengthens fisheries co-management systems by building the capacity of community and national-level committees to improve governance, resolve conflicts, and support compliance with fisheries regulations. By enhancing leadership structures and promoting participatory monitoring, the initiative contributes to more effective and accountable management of marine resources.
To improve livelihoods and economic resilience, this project promotes entrepreneurship, cooperative development, and access to financial services. Fishers and processors, particularly women and youth, are supported with skills training, financial literacy, and business development opportunities that enable them to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on declining fish stocks.
Improving product quality and food safety is another key priority.
Additionally, the project supports fish processors to adopt improved processing technologies, including clean cooking solutions, and to meet national standards through Safe Fish Certification. Nutrition education campaigns further promote healthier diets and increased value for fisheries products.
Recognizing the social challenges within fishing communities, the initiative integrates measures to address gender-based violence, child labour, and trafficking. Community-led action plans, strengthened savings groups, and targeted awareness campaigns help create safer and more inclusive environments for women and youth across the fisheries value chain.
This project also leverages digital innovation to enhance fisheries management. A digital monitoring, control, and surveillance system is being deployed to support real-time data collection, improve reporting of illegal fishing activities, and strengthen enforcement at landing sites.
By combining ecological restoration, inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and technological innovation, the project contributes to building resilient coastal communities and sustainable fisheries systems in Ghana. It demonstrates a pathway for aligning environmental sustainability with social equity and economic development in the management of marine resources.
For more details and other information contact ;
Peter Canicius Kuusaana
Email; pkuusaana@henmpoano.org
Project Manager.
