Fishermen at James Town Beach are calling for an end to the closed fishing season.
They claim that the current economic downturn has worsened their living conditions due to the suspension of their primary source of income.
The closed fishing season for this year, announced by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, started on July 1, 2024.
The purpose of the season is to protect Ghana’s marine resources by allowing fish stocks to replenish and reproduce without interference from fishing activities.
During this period, all fishing, whether artisanal or industrial, is prohibited in Ghanaian waters.
While this initiative, according to the Ministry, is for the better, Seth Nii Ashamo Tagoe, a fisher folk who spoke to Channel One News, said, “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 fisher folk added, “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.”
To support fishermen during the closed season and help them provide for their families, Sector Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson announced plans to distribute relief items such as rice and oil. However, questions remain about whether these provisions are sufficient given the current economic challenges.
Joshua Armah, a local fisherman, expressed concerns, stating, “We have children in school and families to support. Instead of receiving money, we are given rice and oil. How can we use these items to pay our kids’ school fees?”
Meanwhile, Nii Armah Wulu II, the Chief Fisherman at James Town Beach, acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts but stressed the need for more substantial support alternatives.
“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.”
When asked about how his outfit is ensuring compliance with the directive, he said, “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.”
