Fisheries Commission Condemn Fishermen Demo

The Fisheries Commission [FC] has condemned the demonstration embarked upon by a section of the fishing community in Elmina over the arrest of some fishing vessels caught in using light in fishing.

The commission says under the Fisheries Act, 2002 [Act 625] and Fisheries Regulation 2010 [L.I.1968], it is an offense to fish without a licence or to fish with light.

In a release issued in Accra and signed by Chairman of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Mike Akyeampong, the FC said the Chief Justice has designated certain special courts in regional capitals to handle fisheries infringement cases and advised fishermen to abide by the Fisheries Act since it is not to deprive them of their livelihood but protect fisheries resources in the country.

Fishermen in Elmina blocked the road linking Cape Coast and Takoradi, leaving many passengers stranded. They also reportedly vandalized property of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District Assembly. They were protesting against a law prohibiting them from using flash lights to fish at night.

They complained that harvest has substantially been affected by the law and have asked the government to take a second look at it.

But the FC said Ghana is part of the international community and a signatory to conventions of International, Regional and Sub-regional organizations, and will therefore enforce such regulations for continual sustenance of all.

Story by Kwadwo Asare-Baffour Acheampong/Asempa News/Ghana