Ghana's Queen Fishmongers: Balancing Gender for Sustainable Fisheries

Mar 7, 2019 | Environmental Justice Foundation Staff
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When we think about fishing, we typically conjure a very distinct image: boats at sea, manned. But that is only half the story, as the new report shows by highlighting the powerful roles of women in Ghana’s fisheries. Women finance fishing trips by paying for fuel and canoes in the country’s Central Region; while in Greater Accra, women are out on the river with the men, catching clams.

The Konkohemaa – queen fishmonger – presides at the landing beaches, speaking on behalf of the other women when she haggles over the price of mackerel, or mediates issues with fishermen. By funding fishing trips, women have traditionally secured themselves a portion of the catch. But now, with fish stocks at crisis point, business is bad, the old community relations are fraying, and fish instead go to the highest bidder.