We, fishermen in the artisanal fishing industry of Ghana,  aware of the emerging challenges posed by multiple users of Ghana’s marine space, limited fishing grounds ,increasing impoverishment  in coastal fishing communities, food and livelihood insecurity, our role in safeguarding a sustainable artisanal fishing industry and the need for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s fisheries sector and the overall Socio-economic empowerment of our members; have agreed to come together to form a National Council to contribute to an improved  governance, responsible and sustainable fisheries  industry in Ghana.We, fishermen in the artisanal fishing industry of Ghana,  aware of the emerging challenges posed by multiple users of Ghana’s marine space, limited fishing grounds ,increasing impoverishment  in coastal fishing communities, food and