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Tag: fishermen

  • Why don’t you close the forest but the sea? – James Town fishermen quiz gov’t

    Why don’t you close the forest but the sea? – James Town fishermen quiz gov’t

    Fisher folk at James Town Beach are calling for an end to the closed fishing season, citing the severe economic hardship it has imposed on their already strained livelihoods.

    The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development announced this year’s Closed Fishing Season beginning on July 1, 2024.

    The initiative aims to preserve Ghana’s marine resources by allowing fish stocks to replenish and reproduce without disturbance. During this period, all fishing activities, including both artisanal and industrial methods, are strictly prohibited in Ghanaian waters.

    However, this measure has met strong opposition from the local fishing community.

    Seth Nii Ashamo Tagoe, a fisherman at James Town Beach, expressed his frustrations to Channel One News, stating, “I cannot ask someone for money because they know I work. Our colleagues are out there working but we are not. We are pleading with the government to stop the politics and address our concerns. We are suffering.”

    Albert Nii Armah, another fisherman, questioned the rationale behind the closed fishing season. “

    We don’t understand why they have implemented the closed fishing season. It used not to be so in previous years. We have never understood the closed fishing season initiative. Why don’t they close the forest but the sea? Now we are here doing nothing. We have no money now but we have to fend for our wives and children.”

    In response to these concerns, Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, announced plans to distribute relief items, including rice and oil, to support the fisher folk during this difficult period.

    However, many fishermen believe this is insufficient.

    Joshua Armah, a fisherman, voiced his dissatisfaction, saying, “We have children in school and wives to take care of. Instead of the government to give us money, we are receiving rice and oil. How can we use that to pay our kids’ school fees?”

    The Chief Fisherman at James Town Beach, Nii Armah Wulu II, acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts but stressed the need for more substantial support.

    “I don’t think the relief items are sufficient. We are only managing. Some of the young people among us are now ‘trotro’ mates. They are worried about taking care of their children. Giving one bag of rice to ten people to share is a problem. It is not enough because some have two or more wives and children.”

    Despite the hardships, Nii Armah Wulu II mentioned that his team is doing its best to ensure compliance with the directive. “Once they have closed the sea, at least we have bad nuts inside. Some will go and fish in the night, but we are doing our best to ensure they all comply.”

  • Fishermen at Togo border during closed season will be apprehended – Hawa Koomson

    Fishermen at Togo border during closed season will be apprehended – Hawa Koomson

    The Minister for Fisheries and Acquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has warned fishermen planning to land their fish catch at the Togo border during the Closed Season to desist from such act.

    “Be warned that, the ministry, together with the Marine Enforcement Unit, will apprehend and charge fishermen, who will go on with their intention. More so, there shall be no more use of monofilament nets and any unauthorized fishing gears after the opening of the season” she reiterated.

    Also, she said “let us remember that the health of our oceans is directly linked to the health of our communities. By protecting our marine resources today, we are securing a prosperous future for our offspring. Let us all play our part in ensuring the success of this year’s Closed Fishing Season” she added.

    The minister issued the warning during the symbolic closure of the 2024 Closed Fishing Season in Upper Dixcove, Ahanta West Municipality, Western Region.

    She emphasized that the annual event is vital not just for sustaining marine resources but also for the long-term livelihood of fishing communities.

    “This season, has been a period of reflection, rejuvenation and renewal for our marine ecosystems, and today, we celebrate the positive strides we have made towards sustainable fishing practices. I understand the immense importance of our fishing industry. It is the backbone of many of our coastal communities, providing food, employment, and cultural identity” she said.

    However, Mrs. Koomson pointed out that catches from both marine and inland sources are rapidly declining, endangering the livelihoods of the populace. This decline is attributed to overfishing and unsustainable practices that endanger marine ecosystems, thus jeopardizing the foundation of this crucial sector.

    “The Closed Fishing Season is an essential measure, designed to give our fish stocks the opportunity to replenish. During this period, we are giving our marine resources the chance to recover, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the ocean’s abundance. This initiative, is in line with our commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the preservation of biodiversity in our waters” she said.

    In addition to the Closed Fishing Season, she stated that the ministry is implementing several other measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the fisheries sector. These measures include enforcing fishing regulations, promoting responsible fishing practices, and investing in scientific research to enhance understanding of marine ecosystems.

    “We are also enhancing our collaboration with international partners to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a significant threat to our marine resources.

    “I look forward to our continued collaboration in building a sustainable and thriving fishing industry for the current and future generations” she expressed hope.

    Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, highlighted that fisherfolk constitute approximately 30% of Ghana’s population.

    Therefore, he said “we appreciate and value the work of fishermen and fishmongers and that government, is doing it best to ensure good standard of living for you all”.

    President of the Ghana National Canoe Council, Nana Jojo Solomon, commended the minister for enforcing policies and regulations within the fisheries sector. He recommended that all fishermen observe marine protected areas to promote sustainable fishing along the coastal regions.

    Obrepong Hema Dekyi XIV, Chief of Upper Dixcove, commended the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture for organizing the Closed Season in the Ahanta West Municipality.

    “Involving stakeholders in the industry in your ministry makes the implementation of certain policies easy” he said.

    He urged fisherfolk to adhere to the Closed Season to ensure its success.

    Food items such as bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, boxes of canned tomatoes, boxes of canned fish, as well as wire mesh and pans, were distributed to the fisherfolk.

  • Western Region fishermen ‘cry’ over insufficient govt support during closed season

    Western Region fishermen ‘cry’ over insufficient govt support during closed season

    Fishermen in the Western Region have expressed frustration over inadequate support and a shortage of premix fuel ahead of the 2024 closed fishing season.

    The announcement of the season by Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hawa Koomson, on July 1, 2024, in Dixcove, has triggered concerns among the fishing community.

    According to the fishermen, the government’s provision of a bag of rice is insufficient to meet their needs during this period.

    They are calling on the government to offer additional financial assistance to alleviate the hardships they will face during the ban.

    “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? 

    So, the government should rather put in place proper financial support for each fisherman because the fishing industry is the major source of livelihood in their Ahanta Area,” one of them said on behalf of the rest.

    Meanwhile, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hawa Koomson, has given a stern warning to fishermen as the closed fishing season begins.

    This period is vital for allowing fish stocks to replenish and sustain the country’s marine resources.

    At an event in Dixcove, Western Region, on July 1, Koomson emphasised the imposition of severe penalties for those who violate fishing regulations.

    “It has come to my notice that some fisherfolks are planning to land their fish at the Togo border during the closed season.

    Therefore, kindly be warned that they will be apprehended and charged if they go ahead with their intention.

    Furthermore, there shall be no use of monofilament nets and any unauthorised fishing gear after the opening of the season,” she stated.

  • 4 Sri Lankan fishermen die after drinking from bottle found in a sea

    4 Sri Lankan fishermen die after drinking from bottle found in a sea

    Four Sri Lankan fishermen have tragically died, and two others are critically ill after ingesting an unknown liquid from bottles they discovered while at sea, as reported by local media.

    According to reports, the sailors were on a fishing expedition when they came across the bottles approximately 320 nautical miles from Tangalle, a town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

    The Sri Lanka Navy informed journalists that the fishermen mistakenly believed the bottles contained alcohol.

    Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, stated to several news outlets that efforts were underway by the navy to bring the fishermen ashore.

    He noted concerns about the urgency of medical attention aboard their vessel, the Devon, indicating insufficient time for immediate evacuation to land for treatment.

    The BBC has sought confirmation and comment from Mr. Kahawatta and the Sri Lanka Navy.

    Mr. Kahawatta disclosed to national news station Ada Derana that the fishermen had distributed some bottles to other crews operating in the vicinity, with ongoing efforts to notify these crews.

    The navy informed local media that the Devon was being towed back to shore by another vessel, departing Tangalle on June 4.

    The incident has reportedly sparked protests in the coastal town, located approximately 120 miles (193 km) from the capital, Colombo, urging the safe return of surviving sailors to land.

    Authorities are presently investigating the contents of the bottles involved in the incident.

  • I will exempt artisanal fishers from the closed-season policy – Mahama

    I will exempt artisanal fishers from the closed-season policy – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to revive and enhance the fishing sector in Ghana to its former strength.

    He made this commitment during a meeting with the fishing community in Tema on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

    Mr. Mahama assured the fishing community that if elected, the next NDC government would reinstate the nonpartisan Landing Beach Committee.

    This move would ensure a fair distribution of premix fuel and outboard motors to all registered association members without any political bias. He stressed the need to keep politics out of the fishing sector, promising equitable treatment for all members.

    Additionally, Mr. Mahama promised to reintroduce the subsidised premix and outboard motor policy that had provided relief to fishers during his previous administration.

    He also pledged that artisanal fishers would be exempt from the closed-season policy under the next NDC government.

    Furthermore, the NDC leader committed to completing the National Fisheries College, initiated by the late President John Atta Mills. This would ensure that fishing industry members receive proper training, enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency.

    Mr. Mahama also vowed to provide fish-finding equipment to fisherfolk, enabling them to locate fish scientifically and streamline their operations.

  • Canoe Owners Association calls for pension scheme for fishermen

    Canoe Owners Association calls for pension scheme for fishermen

    President of the Canoe and Fishing Gears Owners Association, Nana Kweigyah, has called on the flag bearer and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to implement a comprehensive social security policy for members of the fishing industry if he wins the December 2024 elections.

    During Mahama’s visit to the Tema Fishing Community on Saturday, Nana Kweigyah highlighted the difficult conditions faced by fishers upon retirement or in the event of accidents at sea.

    He urged Mahama to extend the proposed social security policy for Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) members to the fishing community and to provide insurance for fishers in case of accidents.

    Nana Kweigyah also criticized the politicization and discrimination in the distribution of premix fuel and outboard motors to fishermen, advocating for the reinstatement of the Premix Fuel Committee under an NDC government in 2025.

    He stressed the dire sanitation conditions at landing beaches, which are plagued with plastic waste and pose significant hazards to the fishing community.

    Representatives from various regions, other associations in the fishing industry, and chief fishermen voiced concerns about the adverse effects of the closed season on artisanal fishers.

    In his response, Mahama reminisced about his interactions with the artisanal fishing community during his tenure as vice president and president.

    He pledged to reestablish the Landing Beach Committee, promote youth participation in beach sanitation, and enforce the exclusive zone policy with assistance from the Ghana Navy.

    Mahama assured that an NDC government would “exempt artisanal fishers from the closed-season policy” and complete the National Fisheries College, a project initiated by the late President John Atta Mills, to ensure that fishing industry members receive appropriate training and can work more effectively.

  • 24 fishermen saved from partially submerged ship off coast of Japan

    24 fishermen saved from partially submerged ship off coast of Japan

    A Japanese coast guard helicopter saved 24 fishermen who were hanging onto a tilting, half-sunken ship during a storm near an island chain southwest of Tokyo on Monday morning. One person who was on the ship fell into the rough ocean and died before the rescuers came.

    According to a coast guard statement, the Fukuei Maru No. 8 halted owing to an engine failure on Sunday evening in the Pacific Ocean, around five hours after it left the Yaizu Port in central Japan on its way to South America for tuna fishing.

    The ship got caught in rough seas and strong winds, then hit some rocks. The captain called for help five hours later. It was reported that the ship told the rescuers that one crew member was missing within two hours of their arrival.

    The coast guard sent three ships and three helicopters with special rescue teams to where a big ship got stuck near Kozushima Island. Kozushima Island is part of the Izu group and is about 170 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.

    The TV station NHK showed the crew standing on the ship as the waves hit it. They were waiting for a helicopter to rescue them one by one.

    The boat had 20 people from Indonesia and 5 people from Japan, including the captain, the coast guard said.

    The man who was thrown into the water was found on the shore and was declared dead at a nearby clinic. He was the main engineer on the ship and was a 67-year-old man from Japan.

    We don’t know right away why the ship’s engine stopped working and lost power.

  • Ghanaian fishermen built ‘Noah’s Ark’ without machinery

    Ghanaian fishermen built ‘Noah’s Ark’ without machinery

    In a remarkable feat in 21st century Ghana, a group of bold fishermen from a coastal community built what is now being hailed as a contemporary adaptation of Noah’s Ark, the famed biblical architectural marvel.

    While specific details about the location remain elusive, blogger SIKAOFFICIAL has been diligently providing insights into this extraordinary undertaking.

    The journey began on January 29, 2024, when he shared a 2-minute video showcasing significant progress in the construction of the immense boat.

    The video captures the fishermen, believed to be the builders, meticulously employing basic tools without the aid of advanced machinery to intricately piece together the structure by hand.

    The footage highlights the remarkable craftsmanship involved, with a man in the video expressing astonishment at both the size of the boat and the dedication of the builders.

    “This is being built by hand. These guys are actually building this boat with their physical hands with no machines at all; with just some primitive tools and hammers and chisels and all that and they are building this boat.

    “Look at how they built it. Just check out these details of the boat and what they’ve actually done… this actually blew my mind looking at the size of this boat and these guys are actually building this whole boat with their own two hands…” a man in the video is heard saying.

    In a subsequent update on February 16, 2024, SIKAOFFICIAL shared another video displaying the completed boat in the evening.

    The fully painted vessel is shown being successfully launched into the sea, accompanied by applause from onlookers and fellow fishermen.

  • Ghanaian fishermen building replica of Noah’s ark

    Ghanaian fishermen building replica of Noah’s ark

    It has emerged that a group of Ghanaian fishermen are reportedly seeking to build a contemporary version of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark.

    The structure, though yet to be completed, is indeed humongous, per a video in circulation on social media.

    The workers are said to be building the ark with their bare hands with the use of some primitive tools, such as hammers. The location where this ‘ark’ is being built is yet to be made public.

    Despite its huge size, one cannot currently confirm whether it is the same as the historic and religious ark due to the absence of dimensions.

    The dimensions of Noah’s Ark are specified in the Bible in the Book of Genesis, in Genesis 6:15 (New International Version): “This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high.”

  • “We are really suffering”—New Takoradi fishermen lament, the shortage of premix fuel

    “We are really suffering”—New Takoradi fishermen lament, the shortage of premix fuel


    A group of concerned fishermen at the New Takoradi Landing Beach has raised concerns regarding the insufficient supply of premix fuel.

    They are troubled by an artificial shortage created by dishonest individuals within the supply chain, leading to increased costs for fishing expeditions. This, in turn, results in higher prices for fish protein in the Ghanaian market.

    Nana Atoabo, the spokesperson for the fishermen at New Takoradi, expressed their worries, highlighting the economic hardships faced by many idle fishers due to the premix fuel shortage.

    “We are really suffering; many fishermen have fallen out of business due to fuel prices. One needs about 12,000 cedis to buy a drum of the commodity from hoarders of premix fuel.”

    He added that in the 12 months of last year, fishermen in the area received only a four-month supply of fuel.

    “The closed season and other interventions put in place by the government are helpful, but fishers cannot go to sea because of the shortage of premix and it’s a source of worry to us.”

    Nana Atoabo recommended that the government consider constructing fuel pumps near landing beaches or establishing connections with filling stations to ensure proper regulation of premix fuel distribution.

    Additionally, he highlighted concerns about insufficient fishing equipment, including outboard motors and canoes, posing a threat to the fishermen’s livelihoods.

    He expressed the hope that, during the Farmer’s Day Awards, the government would extend appropriate recognition to fishers comparable to that given to farmers.

  • Ratify ILO convention 188 for the future of Ghana’s seas – Fishermen to govt

    Ratify ILO convention 188 for the future of Ghana’s seas – Fishermen to govt

    Stakeholders within the fishing sector have urged the government to endorse the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Fishing Labour Convention 188 (2007).

    President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), Nana Kweigyah, echoing the sentiments of the National Union of Teamsters and General Workers (NUTEG), emphasized that ratifying the convention is crucial to safeguarding the well-being of Ghana’s fishers, who often work in substandard conditions.

    Nana Kweigyah made these remarks during the distribution of life jackets to artisan fishers in Akplabanya, Ada West District, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety in Ghana’s artisanal fisheries.

    He highlighted that the Convention aims to establish decent working conditions for fishers aboard fishing vessels, encompassing minimum requirements for work, conditions of service, accommodation, food, occupational safety, health protection, medical care, and social security.

    The Convention also addresses issues such as rest periods and written work agreements, emphasizing the need for fishing vessels to be constructed and maintained to provide adequate living conditions for fishers.

    Nana Kweigyah emphasized that ratification implies a commitment to exerting control over fishing vessels through inspection, reporting, monitoring, complaint procedures, penalties, and corrective measures.

    Acknowledging the distribution of life jackets to fishers in Shama and Apam, he urged canoe owners and fishing crews to prioritize safety, including occupational health, at sea.

    He announced plans to sustain the initiative promoting life jacket use by supplying canoe owners with life jackets on a credit basis.

    Nana Kweigyah appealed to the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFAD), and other institutions and non-governmental organizations to provide fishers with personal protective equipment, supporting the overarching goal of enhancing safety at sea.

    Desmond Sackey, Secretary General of NUTEG, urged canoe owners to fulfill their duty of providing necessary protective equipment to their crews, citing Section 118 (1) of Act 651 (the Labour Act 2003), which mandates employers to ensure their employees work under satisfactory, safe, and healthy conditions.

    Captain Darlington Newton Akrofi, Principal Marine Officer and Head of Search and Rescue at the Ghana Maritime Authority, provided education on safety at sea and demonstrated the proper use of life jackets to fishers.

  • Boat accident at Ada: 7 fishermen missing

    Boat accident at Ada: 7 fishermen missing

    The Ada branch of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed that seven fishermen are missing after two fishing boats capsized in the estuary while attempting to enter the Volta River on Thursday, September 14.

    NADMO reports that 12 of the fishermen have been rescued, while a search team is still scouring the area for the missing seven.

    According to Ebenezer Dan-Doe, Public Relations Officer of the Ada East NADMO, the two boats, Shalorm and Barcelona, were carrying a total of 19 fishermen when they capsized.“These two fishing boats went fishing and they were coming back when they met a tidal wave and the two boats capsized,” Dan-Doe said. “The name of the first boat is Shalorm and we got to know that there were eleven people on board. We have seen ten and one is missing. We have also seen the boat, which is damaged.”

    “With the issue of the second boat, we got to know that eight were on board. Two have been found and six are missing. NADMO, the Navy, and the community search team are still searching for the missing fishermen.”

  • Volta fishermen advised not to cross into Togo in canoes to fish

    Volta fishermen advised not to cross into Togo in canoes to fish

    The Aflao Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service has issued a plea to Volta fishers, urging them to refrain from crossing to Togo in canoes for fishing, as such actions could attract undesirable migrants into Ghana.

    Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI), Justice Kudzo Normeshie, who oversees Immigration Professional Standards and Ethics at the Command, expressed concern over some fishers from the region’s coastal districts crossing into neighboring Togo for fishing activities. He emphasized the importance of understanding the security implications associated with this practice.

    ASI Normeshie made this call during a durbar attended by fisher associations and groups, representatives from civil society, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders in the fishing industry.

    The occasion marked the end of the 2023 closed fishing season at Adina, Ketu South, organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the Fisheries Commission in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

    The purpose of this initiative was to lift the month-long ban on fishing for artisanal and inshore fleets, aimed at recovering the fast-depleting fish stock.

    The Immigration officer explained that the practice of fishers crossing to Togo might encourage counterparts on the other side to use their canoes for illegal activities, such as smuggling undesirable migrants, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

    He emphasized the emergence and risk of complex security issues, including violent extremism and cross-border crimes, which should be a shared concern among all stakeholders. Safeguarding the nation’s peace and security requires collective responsibility.

    Mr. Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, expressed concern about the lack of marine officers to secure the Volta Region’s coastline from sea crimes and fishing violations.

    He stressed the importance of their presence to deter and punish perpetrators of such infractions, including those who might evade the closed fishing season by fleeing to Togo.

    The Municipal Chief Executive also appealed to MoFAD for support in assisting fishers severely affected by devastating tidal waves by providing Yamaha outboard motors to help them resume their livelihoods.

    He also requested a constant supply of premix fuel for fishers to embark on fishing expeditions.

  • 3 fishermen arrested for breaching closed season directive

    3 fishermen arrested for breaching closed season directive

    Three fishermen, namely Atitso Atsitsogbui, Seth Kwesi Abelia, and Agbesi Atisu, have been apprehended by Denu Police in the Volta Region for fishing during the closed season.

    Upon sighting the closed season monitoring team, some of their accomplices managed to escape and are now being pursued.

    The authorities successfully retrieved the fish caught during their fishing expedition, and the canoe they were using (with registration number VR-KS-086-AVM and bearing the inscription Holy FM) has been impounded.

    The arrest took place during a joint operation conducted by officials from the Eastern Naval Command, the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), the Monitoring Control Surveillance Division (MCSD), and the Marine Police.

    The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Karimatu Anas, provided information about the arrest. The fishermen were apprehended at Abeliakope in the Ketu South District on July 12, 2023, while the monitoring team was checking compliance with the closed season.

    The Fisheries Enforcement Unit has been conducting visits to various fishing communities to ensure compliance with the fishing closed season. During their recent patrols in the Greater Accra Region and Volta Region, most communities were observed to be complying with the closed season regulations.

    The team took the opportunity to interact with the fishermen during the exercise, sensitizing them about the importance of stopping illegal fishing practices and adhering to regulations when the season resumes.

    Commodore Francis Nyarko commended the fishermen for their compliance and urged them to continue respecting the law and avoiding illegal fishing activities once the season reopens.

  • Fishermen accused of demanding sex before selling fish to fishmongers

    President of the National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA), Regina Solomon, has expressed concern over a disturbing trend in fishing communities across the country. 

    According to her, incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment are gaining grounds in these areas.

    Her utmost concern was with how transactional sex has become rampant in fishing communities. 

    Transactional sex involves the exchange of sex for gifts or favours, which is, in this case, the exchange of sex for fish. 

    Highlighting the challenges of women and young girls in fishing communities as part of activities to mark 16 days of activism in Keta, she bemoaned the situation and said young girls are exchanging sex for fishes. 

    “Before a girl gets fish to sell at any canoe, unless ‘she changes meat with fish.’ You either have to be the [fisherman’s] girlfriend or have an amorous relationship with the fisherman, otherwise you will not get fish to buy from any canoe,” she said.

    “It’s going on everywhere and this makes the small girls marry the older people having the canoe because she wants fish.”

    Madam Solomon expressed her annoyance further by stating that these relationships frequently result in unwanted pregnancies and bemoaned the fact that young girls who experience this are frequently abandoned by the men who impregnate them.

    “They [the men] won’t care for you [the young girls]. The fish they gave you is what they expect you to use to cater for the child,” she said. 

    Her other concern was with parents of young girls marrying off their children to fishermen in exchange for fishes.

    “Also, when the fishmongers get old, they give their children, about 15 years old, to the owners of the canoes or fishermen because they want fish,” she added.

    Based on these, she concluded that GBV is getting out of hand in fishing communities and must be stopped. 

    The Director of Economic Growth Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was also at the event and highlighted the role of stakeholders in ending GBV. 

    “I urge you all to do justice, unite, fake action, be an advocate, a helper, and a voice against abuse. Today let’s celebrate, speak and build awareness,” he said. 

    On his part, the Keta MCE appealed to the USAID to support education, health, Agric, Women Empowerment, and Water transport projects, to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolks to curb Gender Based Violence (GBV).

    “It is our expectation that when there is a great component in the areas listed above, families will be able to enjoy better standards of living and the issue of great GBV will be minimised,” he said.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Floods in Central African Republic leave fishermen stranded

    Dawn is just breaking over the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui as Pacome Koyeke glides his dugout canoe over the silent misty waters of the River Ubangui.The tributary of the mighty Congo often floods during the rainy season, but this year the water levels have been catastrophic for the nation at the heart of the African continent.And communities that eke a livelihood from fishing have been among the worst affected.Seemingly endless civil wars have raged since 2013 and the United Nations lists Central Africa Republic (CAR) as the second least developed country in the world. Natural disasters only make things worse.

    Koyeke, 29, has been casting his net and pulling it in since 3am, hoping for a good catch.

    But after several hours all he has to show for his efforts are two small red fish.

    Fishermen struggling

    “At the moment all the fishermen are struggling”, he says, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

    With the flooding, “the very high pressure of the water makes the fish flee their usual places,” says the 29-year-old.

    “They go and hide under the roots of trees, where the pressure is lower but we can’t go there.”

    “Before, I could earn 180,000 CFA francs ($276) a day, now we are lucky to get even 10,000 francs,” explains Koyeke, the head of Bangui’s fishing development association One for All.

     

    In the distance, a group of fishermen is caught silhouetted on the edge of the thick mist as they roll out a 300-metre long net before casting it into the river, in vain.

    ‘A lottery’

    There is a shortage of fish and equipment to make the nets which usually come from Europe, Cameroon or Nigeria, but supplies have dried up.

    “Fishing’s like a lottery today, you may win one day and the next day you lose,” spits Edouard Franck, who guards canoes after having to give up fishing when he could not afford a new net.

    “I no longer have the money. For a fishing net you need a minimum of 50,000 CFA francs ($75),” Franck explains.

    The local catch includes eels, carp and captain fish, but fewer and fewer are on sale at the market at Ouango, a fishing community nearby the river.

    For want of enough fish to sell, the women behind the stalls sing and dance to try to pull in passers-by and sell their meagre display.

    “In normal times I could make 150,000 CFA francs ($229) a day, but now I can’t get even 10,000,” says Nina-Marie Zougouroupou, a 28-year-old fishmonger at a port in the capital.

    “It’s difficult for us at the moment,” admits Eveline Binguimale.

    Twice the price

    According to the World Bank, CAR produced 29,000 tonnes of fish in 2020.

    Much of the population has traditionally relied on the availability of large quantities of fish at cheap prices.

    But those days appear to be passed.

    “We can’t eat fish the way we want to any more,” says Sandra Liki wandering round the market looking to buy fish to feed her family.

    “What we used to buy for 2,000 (CFA) francs costs 5,000 today.”

    The World Bank estimates 71 percent of the nation’s six million people live below the international poverty line of $2.15 a day.

    Food insecurity

    The floods have hit at a time when nearly half the population is suffering from food insecurity and relies on international aid, the UN says.

    Since June, about 85,000 people have been affected by the floods across 12 of CAR’s 17 prefectures, according to the UN.

    Vakaga, in the north, has been hardest hit with 24,000 affected and more than 20,000 in the capital.

    In 2019, the last time such severe floods struck, the United Nations said 100,000 people lost their homes.

     

    Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

  • Senegal: Fishermen fear the worst from new gas terminal

    In Senegal, a new offshore gas terminal, located in the Atlantic Ocean about ten kilometres off Saint-Louis, is beginning to upset fishermen who are lamenting the loss of an area rich in fish. 

    A new danger may be looming on the horizon. At least, that’s what Senegalese fishermen fear. The new offshore gas terminal visible through the morning mist cloaking the Atlantic Ocean, where Senegal meets Mauritania, is the threat.

    The launch of gas production is expected to start next year. As it draws closer the Secretary-General of the fishing union braces for the worst; meaning the end of any fishing activity in the area.

    “Cohabitation is impossible. Once gas extraction begins, it will mean death for Saint-Louis’s fishing sector’, Moustapha Dieng predicts.

    “Saint-Louis is the capital of fishing, if you take into account the number of boats in Saint-Louis, the types of fishing found in Saint-Louis, they exist nowhere else”.

    “However, the fishing area is very small, it is practically stuck between the mouth of the river and the border with Mauritania where there are coastguards who’ve already killed 19 fishermen because they forbid access to their waters”, Dieng laments.

    Lately, seafarers have seen their catch dwindle. The authorities stepped up their control over the offshore platform and a security perimeter has been set up to the great displeasure of fishermen who say the area is precisely where most fish is found.

    The gas project has also drawn criticism from environmental groups.

    “No one can deny that resource exploitation has and will continue to have impacts on our environment”, Pape Fara Diallo analyses.

    “There will also be social impacts and when you see the communities that live next to where the resources will be exploited, especially here in Nguet Ndar (ed: fishing village of Saint-Louis) “, the chair of the National Publish What You Pay Coalition adds.

    “We feel people are concerned, we see the discrepancy between the billions that we are told will come from the extraction of offshore gas and the poverty that you see around you.”

    Injustice?

    Senegal’s gas discoveries account for 0.5 % of world reserves.

    But Energy and Oil Minister Sophie Gladima said “they were important enough to radically change the economy and industrial fabric of the nation and thereby its future prospects.”

    She underlined the legal framework needed to bring thousands of Senegalese jobs into the sector, and the setting up of the National Institute of Oil and Gas to turn out a highly qualified workforce.

    But fishermen say they are being excluded from the future planned out by the state.

    “Not being the greatest polluters since we are not industrialised, it would be unfair in the search for a solution (to global warming) to ban Africa from using the natural resources which are underground,” Sall told visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in May.

    Radical change

    Greenpeace Africa’s ocean campaign manager Aliou Ba stressed that exploiting fossil fuel deposits will further “exacerbate” the climate crisis, with efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius looking increasingly forlorn.

    Francois Gemenne, an expert with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said:  “What’s at stake is that these countries can and do choose a decarbonised economy.

    “And that requires the transfer of technology and investment in renewables, which is still generally lacking.”

    The pre-COP27 talks held in Kinshasa at the start of October heard calls for alternative technologies and major financing to sustain a green transition.

    Source: Africa News

  • Livelihood of fisherfolk to be improved – Hawa Koomson

    Fishermen will have a better way of life, according to Mavis Hawa Koomson, minister of fisheries and aquaculture development.

    She said that residents of various coastal locations would be included in the government’s plan to improve their lives.

    According to Mavis Hawa Koomson, the action was a part of the government’s strategy to develop the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

    She made this known when she met all the 14 New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairpersons in coastal communities in the Greater Accra Region last Monday, Graphic.com.gh reported.

    “Hawa Koomson said in spite of some of the emerging issues regarding the distribution and sales of premix fuel, closure and opening of the fishing season, among others, her ministry had put in place interventions to improve the fishing and aquaculture industry in the country,” Graphic.com.gh stated.

  • Volta fisher folks take delivery of 200 subsidised outboard motors

    Mrs Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has distributed 200 outboard motors to fisher folks in the Volta Region.

    The first batch of the about 5,000 outboard motors to be distributed across coastal communities in Ghana, formed part of the President’s Fishing Input Support Scheme for fishers.

    It aimed to provide outboard motors at affordable prices to improve productivity.

    Speaking at separate ceremonies at Adina and Keta to give out the items to the beneficiaries in the Ketu South and Keta/Anloga Municipalities respectively, Mrs Afoley Quaye said the outboard motors with a market price of about GH¢20,000.00 each, were given to beneficiaries at GH¢10,000.00 representing about a 50 percent subsidy.

    She said government through MOFAD had been providing fishers with inputs and gears such as tricycles, assorted fishing gear, wire mesh, aluminum basins and ovens to support their livelihoods.

    The Minister, also Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency, said government had carried out infrastructural development projects across fishing communities in Ghana including Axim, Lower Dixcove and Anloga, continuing with new ones to develop the Sector.

    “Perform best practices at sea,” to justify government’s expenditure in the industry,” she said.

    Mrs Afoley Quaye hinted of collaborative fishing management, which would involve all stakeholders including traditional leaders as the wayforward to ending ‘saiko’ (illegal fish trans-shipments) and other Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices to save the country’s fisheries sector from collapse.

    Madam Ruby Adukpo, representing National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA), Volta Region, decorated the Minister as Mama Dunenyo I of Dzelukope with ‘kente’ as a demonstration of the Association’s love for her works in the Region and the country.

    Torgbui Seth Abotsi, Volta Regional Chief fisherman, was grateful for the intervention and called on other colleague fishers not to use the opportunity to engage in unpatriotic ventures to rob the state.

    He appealed to government to expedite action to extend the sea defense wall around Agavedzi-Blekusu to reach Adina and other areas to secure the coastline from tidal waves insurgents in future.

    Mr Godwin Edudzi Effah, Municipal Chief Executive for Keta, said he was delighted with the distribution exercise and said more would come in the ensuing weeks to ensure all payees got their allocations.

    He noted that the gesture formed part of other good things the Akufo-Addo led government was bringing to the people.

    Reverend Johnson Avuletey, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, called on the people of the Region to shift camps to retain the ruling New Patriotic Party in the upcoming December polls for more people-centred policies.

    Source: GNA

  • Anomabo fishermen empowered to gather evidence on illegal fishing activities

    Fishermen in Anomabo have received smart phones for the piloting of an Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU)-ICT mobile App for monitoring, documenting and reporting fishing activities.

    The initiative forms part of the “Far Ban Bo” project, being funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by a consortium of non-governmental organisations namely Friends of the National (FoN), CARE and Oxfam as a step to protect fishing livelihoods of fishers in Ghana.

    The information gathered would be sent to the Fisheries Commission, Fisheries Enforcement Unit as well as partners of the “Far Ban Bo” Project database through the IUU monitoring mobile app.

    Mr Philip Prah, Project Officer of FoN, a non-governmental organisation concerned with natural resource management and an implementing partner of the “Far Ban Bo” project, explained that the idea was to get enough evidence to prosecute illegal activities of fishermen, especially saiko fishers.

    “With the provision of the smart phones, local fishermen can take videos and pictures of illegal fishing activities such as illegal trans-shipment, known as “saiko”, dumping of fish, light fishing and other prohibited fishing methods in the Section 88 of the Fisheries Act 625, during their fishing expedition and send them through the app for the prosecution of offenders,” he said.

    He said as part of the project, IUU Community Monitoring Groups (CMG) had been established with the fishermen given relevant training on how to gather real evidence on illegal activities at sea in the beneficiary communities.

    Fishermen across the country have largely accused “Saiko” fishing mostly done by foreign vessels managed by the Chinese and other foreign nationals for the illegal trans-shipment of fish thereby depleting fish stock.

    Saiko fishing involves foreigners who are licensed to catch particular commercial fishes like tuna within certain radius off-shore but end up fishing in unauthorised areas near-shore catching other fish species.

    Mr Prah believed that the move would enable the local fishermen to play their watchdog role on the sea effectively.

    Nana Mbroba Dabo I, Paramount Queen Mother of Anomabo Traditional Area, reminded the fishermen of their responsibility to save the sea for future generations.

    She asked them to work without biase, discrimination or favouritism and collectively support efforts by the Government to prevent IUU practices and restore the depleted fish stock.

    The Queen Mother admonished the volunteers to be security conscious while they went about their duties saying: “Your life should be your number one priority”.

    The smart phones comes with a tracking device installed on them and a floatable bag for IUU monitoring activities at near-shore or offshore to avoid drowning of the phones.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Consortium to improve livelihoods of fishers through scorecard

    The Project Coordinator of CARE International, Mr Kwame Mensah has underscored the importance of the Far Ban Bo (Protecting Fisheries Livelihood) score-card to the development of fishers in the country.

    The scorecard, gives fishermen access to various fishery services to streamline their operations and improve on their living conditions.

    Mr. Mensah said this when he addressed Chief fishermen, Canoe owners, fishers, Marine Police task force, pre-mix fuel executives, traditional rulers the media and other stakeholders in the fishing industry at the end of an impact conference held in Accra.

    The working together for impact conference, forms part of the Far Ban Bo project organized by a consortium namely Care International the lead, Friends of the Nation (FoN) and OXFAM with funding from the European Union(EU).

    Mr. Mensah said the score card dealt with the level of satisfaction on premix fuel by Fishers, how quick they got feedback on IUU related cases and access to fishing and landing sites and sanitation.

    The card also dealt with access to toilet facilities, availability of cold store, health care delivery and education services.

    Mr Menssh said the score card project also monitored the attitude of teachers and the school feeding programme and strengthened the Livelihood Empowerment Programme (LEAP).

    On the expected results of the Far Ban Bo project, Mr.Mensah indicated that it would ensure the empowerment of smallholder fishery association and community services organization to be involved in Fisheries governance, the effective IUU monitoring and grievance mechanism piloted and social and economic safeguards to improve livelihoods and nutritional status of smallholder Fisheries and landing sites.

    The Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Far Ban Bo project, Mr. Gerald Tetteh-Ashong who took the participants through the community score card approach, said the project would continue to empower smallholder fishing communities including; vulnerable and marginalised groups to participate in decision making and assume responsibility in sustainable fishing.

    He lamented that Marine Police were not available in Fishing communities such as Prampram, Ellembelle and at the Komenda-Eguafo-Edina-Abrim District, and that the services were restricted to canoe owners, but not artisanal fishers and called for extension services to improve on the flow of information to enhance participation in service delivery.

    Mr. Philip Prah, Project Officer of FoN, speaking on securing Landing Tenure Rights: Support Mapping and Documentation of Fish Landing Sites, called for a national approach in dealing with sanitation at the landing beaches.

    He stressed the need for by-laws by the MMDAs on restricted lands for landing beaches.

    Mr. Prah proposed that part of the pre-mix fuel fund be allocated to the cleaning of the 29 landing beaches in the four coastal Regions in Ghana.

    Source: GNA

  • Fishermen fight EC over voter registration date

    Fisher folk in the four fishing regions have called on the Electoral Commission to change the date for the new voter registration as the fixed date, April 2020, will not favour them.

    According to them, most fisher folk travel to different countries for fishing from March to September and sticking to the stated registration date will disenfranchise a lot of them.

    They have therefore appealed to the National Peace Council (NPC) to impress the EC to rescind its decision.

    No premix fuel in Salakope over two years Fishermen cry

    “Many fisher folks are at sea in neighboring countries and hence cannot be back in time to engage in the new registration exercise. This means that should the EC and the government go ahead with their plan, many fisher folks would be disenfranchised because of no fault of theirs. The number of fisher folks currently on fishing expedition in other countries is extremely huge this time around due to the breaks in fishing activities in Ghana. Therefore, any attempt to go ahead with the exercise without taking them into consideration would be suicidal for our ever-growing democracy,” spokesperson for the aggrieved fishermen in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central and Western Regions, John Quayson, told GhanaWeb in a telephone interview.

    He called on the Akufo-Addo government to intervene as the fishing sector also contributes to the economic and political well-being of the country.

    “A call is made on the President to act in the interest of the fishermen whose operations contribute immensely to the economic and socio-political well-being of Ghana.”

    Tema fishermen disagree on significance of flags on canoes

    The fishermen are, however suggesting that the voter registration exercise be rescheduled it to November 2020.

    This is despite calls by many groups that even April is not enough time for the registration to be done and everything put in place for the December elections.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com