The Government has told fishermen and fishmongers operating at the Canoe Basin of the Tema Fishing Harbour that it does not intend taking over the area from them.
This is because the 5.2-hectare canoe basin is covered by an agreement signed between the people of Tema Manhean and the government when the land on which they were settling was taken over to build the harbour in the 1960s.
The fishermen and fishmongers had expressed the fear of government taking over the beach after a Tema Municipal Assembly taskforce demolished structures believed to be used by criminals as hideouts.
Mr Ishmael Ashitey, Minister in charge of Fisheries, gave the assurance when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs visited the scene of the recent fire outbreak at the harbour that claimed two lives and burnt nine canoes.
Mr Alex Kwaku Korankye, MP for Ashanti/Akyem South and Chairman of the Committee, said the tour was to sympathise with the bereaved families and the fisher folk on the death of their colleagues and those who lost property as well as collate views to help formulate appropriate laws to enhance the work of the fishermen.
Mr Ashitey said the government prepared the Canoe Basin for them because about 70 per cent of their economic activities take place there. He said any action the government would take at the canoe beach would be in the interest of the fishermen and asked them to offer their support to ensure that it worked.
Major Samuel Ofori Ntow, Tema Fishing Harbour Manager, said though the administration of the canoe beach falls within the power of the fishermen, the GPHA continues to provide facilities and security to enhance their work.
"This is to ensure that the area does not deteriorate. GPHA has built a landing shed and plans building a wooden jetty and installing streetlights."
Mr Samuel Evans Ashong Narh, Tema Municipal Chief Executive, said following reports that the canoe beach was serving as hideout for thieves and wee smokers the assembly demolished the structures.
"The assembly will ensure that these negative practices are stopped to enable people to work in an atmosphere of peace."
The fishermen, led by the Chief Fisherman Nii Adjieteh Mator, appealed to the authorities to increase the quantity of premix fuel supplied to them.
