Committee presents report to Accra Mayor

An eight-member fact-finding committee to investigate the conflict between fishermen of Chorkor and Ga Mashie on Friday presented its report to Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive.

Dr Vanderpuije, on Saturday, May 10, 2014, established a committee to investigate an impasse between the two fishing communities which nearly marred the peace in the metropolis.

Mr Jonathan Tackie-Komme, Chairman of the Committee and former Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, said the committee, after hearing the two feuding communities, recommended some urgent measures.

It called for the setting up of an office within the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to handle problems emanating from the fishing communities along the coastal-line in Accra.

The committee said: “It is also necessary for the State Attorney not to drag its feet when prosecuting fishing-related offences".

There was the need to increase patrol boats for the Marine Police through the assistance of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies along the coast while police visibility is intensified to arrest criminals operating at the Ga Mashie beach.

The committee proposed a fine of 1,000 penalty units instead of the current 250 penalty units to serve as a deterrent to illegal method of fishing.

Dr Vanderpuije, after receiving the report, gave the assurance that he would ensure that peace prevailed among the fishermen.

He expressed gratitude to the committee members for their zeal to tackle the issues entrusted in their care adding that “we are committed to work with the fishermen to enable them to obey the rules and regulations.”

The Mayor tasked all assembly members to continue to engage with the leadership of the fishermen to ensure proper monitoring so as to grow from strength to strength.