Ensure enforcement of fisheries regulations — Fishermen

The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Association has called on the government to ensure the rigid enforcement of the fisheries regulation to safeguard the industry in the country.

According to the association, the prevalence of unlawful fishing practices such as pair trawling, light fishing, the use of under-size mesh nets and harmful chemicals for fishing were leading to the depletion of fish in the sea.

The Secretary of the association, Nii Abeo Kyerekuandah IV, who made the call at a press briefing in Accra yesterday, observed that such unlawful practices were also rendering water bodies barren and gradually jeopardising the future of the industry.

 He explained that the law, when enforced, would ensure the conservation of fisheries resources and the long-term sustainability of the industry for future generations.

The secretary mentioned Togo, The Gambia, Senegal and Angola where he said the industry was still viable owing to the enforcement of their fisheries regulations, a situation which had attracted many Ghanaian fishermen to those countries to do business. 

He pledged the association’s support and willingness to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to ensure a viable fishing industry in the country.

Selling landing beaches

He said the association was sad and worried over the selling of landing beaches to the public by some chiefs.

The practice, he said, was very worrying because fishermen’s operational areas were being narrowed, which also affected fishing in Ghana.

On the mismanagement of premix fuel, Nii Kyerekuandah commended the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ms Sherry Ayittey, for her bold decision to re-constitute the National Premix Committee.

He accused the dissolved premix committee of mismanagement and abuse of premix fuel when it allowed some committee members to use the commodity to amass wealth for themselves.

“We demand that an enquiry be carried out into the allegation and those found culpable dealt with according to law. We also ask that the new members of the committee be made to declare their assets to ensure accountability,” he added.

Escalation in prices of inputs

Nii Kyerekuandah further expressed concern over the continued escalation in the prices of fishing inputs which affected their operations.

He indicated that in the latter part of 2013, a 40HP outboard motor was sold for GHc4,900 but was currently going for GH¢9,700, an increase of almost 100 per cent.

He appealed to the sector minister to help address that challenge.

Writers email: Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh