The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, has issued a stern warning to fishermen in Ghana against engaging in illegal fishing during the annual closed season, which has commenced. Speaking at a ceremony in Dixcove, Western Region, to mark the start of the closed season, Hawa Koomson cautioned that those caught flouting the ban would face severe punishment.
The closed season, which aims to replenish Ghana’s marine fisheries resources, has become an annual norm in the fishing industry. The season is expected to last for a month, and the government has assured of its commitment to enforcing the ban to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
Hawa Koomson emphasized that the government is determined to protect the country’s fisheries resources and warned that any attempt to flout the ban would be met with severe consequences. She also announced that the use of monofilament nets and unauthorized fishing gear would no longer be tolerated after the opening of the season.
However, some fishermen at Dixcove expressed concerns about the government’s failure to provide adequate support and premix fuel before the closed season. They claimed that the lack of support would leave them without sufficient revenue to feed their families during the ban.
One fisherman lamented, “They should have brought us adequate premix before the ban on fishing so we could work and make some savings before the closed season. Now, the closed fishing season is going to make our feeding very difficult, and the government should put in place something to make life bearable for us.”
The fisherman also suggested that the government should provide financial support for each fisherman, as the fishing industry is the major source of livelihood in the Ahanta Area. “The one bag of rice they are bringing would not be enough for a family of four or more without money. How are we going to cope with this?” he asked.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, highlighted the significance of Dixcove, which contributes over 90% of Ghana’s Tuna output, making it an ideal location for the national closed season ceremony.
The President of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association, Stephen Adjo Katcher, welcomed the ban but expressed concerns about the high cost of spare parts for fishing gear and fuel. He urged the government to consider the challenges facing the industry and provide support where necessary.
Despite the concerns, the government has assured of its commitment to enforcing the closed season to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries resources. The minister’s warning and the government’s assurance have sent a clear message to fishermen in Ghana: respect the closed season or face the consequences.
The closed season is expected to have a significant impact on the fishing industry in Ghana, and the government’s enforcement of the ban will be closely watched by stakeholders in the industry.
