- James Town fisher folk protest closed fishing season.
- Closed season aims to replenish Ghana's marine resources.
- Relief items deemed insufficient by fisher folk.
- Fisher folk demand alternative support amid economic hardship.
Fisher folk at James Town Beach are protesting the closed fishing season, citing economic hardship and demanding better support from the government. The closed season, which began on July 1, 2024, aims to replenish Ghana’s marine resources by prohibiting all forms of fishing in Ghanaian waters.
However, fisher folk argue that the initiative has exacerbated their living conditions, as their primary source of income has been halted. Seth Nii Ashamo Tagoe, a fisher folk, expressed his frustration, saying, “We are pleading with the government to stop the politics and address our concerns. We are suffering.”
Albert Nii Armah, another fisher folk, questioned the rationale behind the closed fishing season, saying, “We don’t understand why they have implemented this initiative. Why don’t they close the forest but the sea?” The sector minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, announced plans to provide relief items, including rice and oil, to support fisher folk during this season.
However, Joshua Armah, a fisherman, argued that these items are insufficient, saying, “We have children in school and wives to take care of. Instead of giving us money, we are receiving rice and oil.” Chief Fisherman at James Town Beach, Nii Armah Wulu II, acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts but emphasized the need for adequate alternatives, saying, “I don’t think the relief items are sufficient. We are only managing.”
Nii Armah Wulu II also noted that some young fisher folk have resorted to alternative means of income, such as driving “trotro” (minivans), due to the economic hardship. The Chief Fisherman assured that his outfit is doing its best to ensure compliance with the directive, but admitted that some fisher folk may still engage in illegal fishing activities at night.
