Eni Ghana with its OCTP(Offshore Cape Three Points) partners, including Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd (Vitol) and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), on Friday launched a livelihood enhancement programme for more than 1,000 artisanal canoe fisherfolk in the Cape Three Points area in Ghana’s Western Region, a release has said.
The initiative, the release said, aims to strengthen artisanal canoe fishing, targeting over 1,000 verified canoe owners across 14 coastal districts and municipal assemblies in Ghana.
These include Jomoro, Ellembelle, Nzema East, Ahanta West, Sekondi-Takoradi, Shama, Effutu, Gomoa East, Gomoa West, Mfantseman, Cape Coast, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Komenda-Edina-Abrem and Ekumfi.
The intervention seeks to enhance employment opportunities and increase local fish supply, in alignment with Eni’s commitment to sustainable development, as well as to the IFC Environmental and Social Performance Standards and Ghana’s Petroleum Regulations related to Local Content and Local Participation.
Maurizio Pinna, Managing Director of Eni Ghana, said: “This program aims to strengthen canoe-based fishing by supplying modern nets and equipment, while enhancing safety at sea.
Through this initiative, we are committed to reinforce awareness on marine biodiversity conservation and provide training in sustainable fishing practices, safety and business management.”
The initiative addresses key challenges faced by fisherfolk, including aging nets, obsolete engines and unsafe towing equipment; factors that constrain productivity and income in communities where fishing remains a primary livelihood. Support will be tailored to the specific fishing practices and socio-economic conditions of each community, and equipment will also be provided, such as multifilament nets, weaving threads, buoys, lead weights and dragging ropes that meet Ghana Maritime Authority safety standards.
Eni has been present in Ghana since 2009 with offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, with an equity production of about 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The company is the operator of the OCTP project with a 44.4% share in partnership with Vitol (35.6%) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (20%). The joint venture’s portfolio of projects also includes initiatives in the areas of training, economic diversification, access to water and sanitation and access to energy.