Fishermen want LI to back ban on Tuesday fishing

The Western Regional branch of the Ghana National Fishermen Council (GNFC) on Wednesday called for a Legislative Instrument (LI) to back the traditional ban on fishing in Ghana’s territorial waters on Tuesdays.

Nana Kojo Kondua, President of the Western Regional branch of the GNFC, said though the traditional ban on fishing had been in existence time immemorial it had not been as effective as it should.

Therefore, the LI would not only enforce sanity but would also help to protect  marine species but would also the species and boost tourism.

He made the call when fishermen from the six coastal districts in the region held a regatta at Shama aimed at strengthening the already cordial relations among the fishermen as well as serving as entertainment.

Fishermen from the six coastal districts – Ellembelle, Jomoro, Sekondi-Takoradi, Shama, Ahanta West and Nzema East – participated in regatta, tug of war, thread and needle and musical chairs.

The regatta was sponsored by the Jubilee Oil Partners made up of Tulllow Ghana, Kosmos Energy, Ghana National Petroleum Company, Anardako and E.O. Group.

Nana Kondua expressed regret that marine species like the turtles that should be preserved for tourist attraction were not in abundance and stressed the need for replenishment of the water bodies to make the fishing industry viable.

In view of that he appealed to fishermen to embark on responsible fishing to make sector attractive.

Mr Ken Nunoo of the Corporate Community Department of Tullow Oil appealed to the fishermen not to fish close oil installations in order not to endanger their lives and the machines.

Fishermen from Ahanta West won the first position in the regatta and received GH¢1,000.  Sekondi-Takoradi was second and took GH¢800, Shama was third and had GH¢600 and Nzema East was fourth and took GH¢400.

Source: GNA