Advisory panel set up to implement Bui fisheries management plan
A 12-member fisheries advisory panel has been set up by the Bui Power Authority for the implementation of the Bui fisheries management plan.
Advertisement
The advisory panel is expected to formulate regulations that will ensure that the fishery resources of the Bui reservoir are exploited on an ecologically sustainable basis.
The Bui Power Authority has also constructed a landing site on the road between Bongase and Banda Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The authority will soon commence the construction of a second fishing ramp and landing site near Jama in the Northern Region to ensure safety and promote good sanitary practices in fishing activities.
It will also ensure improved quality of life for the fishing community, as well as improved quality of fish and fish products, handling, processing and marketing.
Inaugurating the advisory panel, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ms Sherry Ayitey, urged the people to understand that anytime nature was disturbed, there were consequences.
She explained that when a dam was being constructed, there would be displacement of people and environmental fallouts which must be properly managed.
Boom in fish stock
The Board Chairman of the Bui Power Authority, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in an address read on his behalf, said from the reports of the fisherfolk in the area, there was evidence that suggested a boom in the fish stock since the impoundment of Bui Dam commenced in 2011.
He also said the influx of fisherfolk from several parts of the country, as well as from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, also confirmed the boom in fisheries in the lake.
Greatest concern
Mr Asiedu Nketia said the greatest concern in the past year had been the massive influx of fisherfolk and enhanced fishing efforts evidenced by the use of outboard motors.
He indicated that there were also reports of the widespread use of illegal fishing nets and the possible detrimental effects of over-fishing.
The board chairman said the National Security apparatus had deployed a team of navy personnel to the project site and added that the BPA had provided a boat and accessories to enable them to patrol the lake in order to stop the activities of the migrant fisherfolk as well as illegal settlements in the Bui National Park.
Cooperation
The Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority, Mr Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, said the construction of the Bui Dam was guided by the implementation of the Akosombo Dam.
He also said the communities within the catchment area of the reservoir had been cooperating with the BPA.