The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has suspended the fishing licenses of four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for repeated breaches of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The affected vessels are Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.).
Investigations revealed that these vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities, including unauthorized transshipment, fish dumping, fishing in restricted areas, and harvesting juvenile fish.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 1, the Fisheries Ministry emphasized that such practices pose significant threats to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, undermine sustainable fisheries management, and negatively impact the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
In accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which grant the Minister authority to suspend licenses for repeated illegalities, the affected vessels’ licenses have been suspended for 12 months, effective April 1, 2025.
Illegal fishing practices, particularly transshipment (locally known as Saiko), have been a long-standing challenge for Ghana’s fisheries sector. These activities deplete fish stocks, erode artisanal fishers’ incomes, and threaten national food security.
Moreover, they violate international obligations and hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine resources.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws to safeguard marine resources. “Continued violations will attract sanctions, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action,” the Ministry warned. It also urged all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—to comply with the law.
Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement and regulatory reforms, certain operators continue to act with impunity. The Ministry emphasised its dedication to promoting sustainable fisheries management for the benefit of present and future generations.
