Fisheries Ministry calls for stakeholders' collaboration

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has urged stakeholders to collaborate with it in the enforcement of international and local fisheries laws.

Madam Sherry Ayitey, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, who made the call, said collaborating with government to enforce the laws would ensure a sustainable fisheries’ sector, which would rake in huge foreign exchange into the economy.

Madam Ayitey had embarked on a working visit with Mrs Sena Duah, her deputy, to the Fisheries Enforcement Unit in Tema.

She indicated that, for Ghana's fish to be accepted internationally, all fisheries laws must be implemented to ensure that lights, dynamite, mercury and other dangerous chemicals are not used in the country's waters.

She said such chemicals pose health dangers to consumers therefore it was her outfit's duty to ensure that Ghanaians get healthy fish to consume.

The Minister noted that, it was the vision of the Ministry to have a vibrant industry which would be a major income earner for the country, and create jobs for the youth.

Captain (GN) Emmanuel A. Kwafo, Director of Naval Training, said as part of the law enforcement, tracking devices have been installed on all tuna vessels and trawlers; and that, it is illegal for any vessels to go fishing in the country's waters without the device.

Captain Kwafo said, the enforcement team, randomly visit the 300 landing sites in the country to inspect their nets.

He explained that, illegal nets as well as lights used for fishing are confiscated to the state while culprits are arraigned before court.

He however added that the law allows for out of court settlement through the use of administrative penalties.