EPA disapproves of unapproved nets in fishing

Mr. Kojo Efunam, Deputy Director in- charge of Oil and Gas at the Environmental Protection Agency, says the use of small and unapproved fishing nets by fishermen continued to be a major challenge to marine and aquatic life.

He said the small nets often picked fingerlings and other living creatures that needed to stay in the sea for production and reproduction leading to continual depletion of marines resources, particularly the reduction in the catch of fishes for consumption.

Mr. Efunam was speaking during a meeting with civil society and the media on the topic: “Environmental Issues in Ghana's Oil and Gas sector”, at Takoradi in the Western Region.

The meeting formed part of activities being carried out by the International Institute of ICT Journalism (PENPLUSBYTES) and Natural Resource Governance Institute, formerly called the Revenue Watch, to strengthen media oversight of the extractive Sector.

He said the dead whales saga, could not be totally associated with the oil industry, adding, "These are migrating species".

Mr. Johnson Bentum, General Manager of Zeal Technology, an oil waste management company, noted that Ghana was ready for the oil waste management, adding, "We are working to ensure sustainable and safe environment".

Kwami Ahiabenu II, Director Penplsubytes, said the CSOs and Media will bring key civil society organisations actors and journalists together to discuss environment impact of the growing Ghana’s oil and gas sector.

“The training programme is simply a testament to our recognition of the importance of the role of a well-informed media in ensuring that Ghana reaps the utmost benefit of her natural resource exploitation through training a knowledgeable breed of committed journalists in the media to uphold and help safeguard the advantages that would accrue from the sector,” Mr Ahiabenu said.

Mr. Fred Avornyo, a Consultant with PENPLUSBYTES entreated the media to be more interested in the oil and gas sector and report accurately on the sector to enable Ghanaians to make informed decisions in the area.