Fishermen group blames Fisheries Commission for poor catch

Members of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCC), has attributed low productivity in the fishing industry to inefficiencies of the Fisheries Commission.

They noted that the inability of the Fisheries Commission to enforce the fisheries Act 625 of 2002 and the fisheries regulation, legislative instrument 1968, has contributed largely to the situation.

Mr Mike Abaka, Executive Member of the Association, expressed the concern at a meeting organized for members in Takoradi on Tuesday.

Friends of the Nation (FON), a non-governmental 0rganisation (NGO) based in Takoradi with focus on the environment and fisheries organized the event.

It was to educate participants on the need to adopt responsible and sustainable fishing practices to increase production.

Mr Abaka noted that the failure of the Fisheries Commission to enforce the fisheries law has encouraged illegalities in the industry.

He mentioned use of light, chemical and unapproved materials in fishing saying, “all these have led to the low catch, bringing down the business.”

The GNA contacted Mr Alex Saba, Western Regional Fisheries Director on the allegation.

He said the Commission has been enforcing the regulation through effective monitoring, “but it has been irregular in the past because it is a very expensive exercise”.

Mr Saba blamed the challenges on political interference in the past, but said “now we have a dynamic Minister who is determined to enforce the fisheries law to the letter devoid of any interference”.

Mr Donkris Mevuta, Executive Director of the FON, advised members of the GNCFC to keep records of their performance in the industry.

The members appealed to Government to organize workshops for all fishermen on responsible fishing practices.

Source: GNA