Exploring the Perceptual and Contextual Factors Affecting Retirement Planning among Fisher Folks in the Elmina and Cape Coast Fishing Communities: A Qualitative Approac
The purpose of this qualitative study was to ascertain retirement
planning by fisher folks in Elmina and Cape Coast fishing communities in the
Central Region of Ghana. Using qualitative research designed from a
phenomenological view, 35 fisher folks were
conveniently sampled for the study. These fisherfolks comprised fishermen, canoe
owners and fishmongers. Thesemi-structured
interview guide was used to collect data from the participants and their respon- ses were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. It
was revealed from the study that most of the fisher folks
regarded retirement as a period in which a
person is not able to work and this is dependent on the person’s level of strength, age or health condition. It also came
to light that retirement planning among fisher folks is affected by
factors such as the lack of labour unions or
associations, seasonal conditions, high cost of operation, illegal fishing activities, extravagant spending among
fishermen, lack of financial support and the mechanism of demand and supply. It is therefore recommended that an extensive
public education programme on retirement planning should be implemen- ted for fisher folks along with the fishing communities. The government, in consultation with the security agencies such as the
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