The Development Action Association (DAA) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID/SFMP) and the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquaculture Development are cooperating to halt unapproved fishing practices in the country.
Fishing activities in Ghana is characterised by unapproved practices such as light fishing, use of chemicals; namely DDT, detergents, particularly Omo, sand winning, among others, together with problems including conversion of coastal lands into to beach resorts, residential, oil and gas developments among other uses which are displacing fishery-based livelihoods.
"It is the duty of the women to reject all fish harvested through unapproved means such as light fishing, use of chemicals such as DDT, detergents, (Omo), etc. It is believed that when the women stop buying, the fishermen would stop the practice,” says Mrs Sherry Aryitey, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, at a forum in Accra.
The Minister encouraged the women to abide by such principles because they have the legal backing of the Ministry.
The forum, done on annual basis and organised by the DAA, a network of farmer /fisher based organisations operating in 64 communities within four regions of Ghana, namely Greater Accra, Central, Eastern and Ashanti. The DAA is also an implementing partner of the SFMP, a 5-year food security project funded by the USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative to support the Government of Ghana/ Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to rebuild the small pelagic fisheries stocks.
"The annual meeting has provided a platform for the women to get first-hand information on policies affecting their work and also share ideas on the kind of support expecting from the government,” says the Executive Director of the DAA, Lydia Sasu.
Participants at the forum drawn from other partners within the USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (USAID/SFMP) such as Central and Western Region Fisheries Improvement Association (CEWEFIA) and DAASGIFT Quality Foundation from the Western Region shared various challenges confronting the fishing industry with the minister.
Grace Bondzie, a Community Liaison Officer of the DAA in Apam and National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA) district president informed the minister about a promise made during a previous forum to train women on the provision and usage of test kit at the beaches to identify fish harvested through unapproved means and reject them when they are brought to shore or market.
The minister, Mrs Aryitey indicated that the government through the ministry put together National Fish Processors and Traders Association (NAFPTA) to ensure easy access and support of all fisheries organisations in the country. The minister also said organisations present at the meeting would be added to the association membership list to receive so information regarding activities.
"The executives of the organisation have gone through series of training and it is expected that they in turn train other members of their organisation.
"The workshop on the use of the test kits will be enrolled soon in which members of DAA, CEWEFIA, DAASGIFT will be invited to participate so they can make informed decisions on when buying fish,” Mrs Aryitey stated.
Dina Otutei of the CEWEFIA indicated that previous dialogues have indicated that the ministry will be instituting closed season soon on fishing activities.
"As women fish processors they are ready to support this decision and are waiting for the ministry to start action since they know the importance and benefits of these intentions,” Otutei said.
She also suggested the support for diversified livelihood for the women and fishermen during the closed season, comparing to other countries like Senegal and Gambia where they have been able to institute the closed season with closed areas for about six months.
Mrs Aryitey noted that the closed season has partly begun with the Tuna Vessels in January and February this year.
"There are discussions between the Ministry and other groups of fishermen such as the artisanal and trawlers to identify which of the months will be favourable for the closed seasons. It is important to note that as we try to restrict the movements of these foreign vessels for a certain period they also need a place to berth which the ministry is working around to look for a suitable space for them between Takoradi and Axim,” the minister stated.
The Minister indicated that fish processors upon knowing that the closed season will be instituted soon should find other business they can engage before they can receive any support from the ministry or any other donor.
Participants at the forum also indicated that women fish processors are aware that light fishing can never be a good way of fish harvesting as it shortens the life of live fish and shelf life of the processed fish. This practice prevents other fishes to procreate thereby limiting the reproduction of fish in the sea. The participants hoped that policies and laws will be implemented to ensure sustainable fisheries.
Reacting to the issue on light fishing, the minister says meetings have been held with the chief fishermen where they have agreed to stop light fishing activities.
"They should police their peers by reporting any identified people to the Ministry for necessary action. It has not been easy for the ministry but the enforcement unit tries to do their best by patrolling the seas. The Ministry has begun its public education through the information vans,” Mrs Aryitey said.
Elizabeth Koomson from the CEWEFIA in Shama in the Western region says women have been taught to preserve the mangroves as it serves as spawning grounds for the fish.
"Unfortunately as the women try to preserve the trees some people are cutting for other usage all contributing to the reduction of fish stock. The mining activities around the area also pollute the Pra River making the water dangerous for fish and human habitat,” Koomson explained.
The minister stated that it is the duty of the District Assembly to ensure that natural resources are protected and preserved within their jurisdiction.
"Since mangrove preservation affect fisheries, the Ministry work in close collaboration with the assembly to ensure that. The minster recommended a formal letter of complaint should be forwarded to the ministry for necessary action.

"As part of the Minerals law, mining companies are mandated to install treatment plants for the treatment of used water for minerals processing to reduce contamination of water bodies. Recent information indicate that very few companies have treatment plant which is a course of worrying,” Mrs Aryitey says.

Participants of the Senegal-Gambia Tour, sponsored under the USAID/SFMP were introduced to the Minister. They include Rebecca Eshun, Hannah Antwi, Dina Otutei, Nancy Ayesua Otu, and Grace Bondzie. The lessons learnt are being shared as the project partners hold meetings.