Ban fishing trawlers for 2 years, and reverse one month fishing ban – fisher folks

Fishermen in Accra are asking the government to consider a complete two-year ban on fishing trawlers in the country’s waters, claiming it is the best way to replenishing the fish stock.

The call follows government’s directive banning all fishing activities in the whole of August due to the low fishing stock. The ban, according to the government, would help improve the dwindling fish stock.

But fishermen across the country have since the announcement of the ban registered their displeasure and asked the government to find alternative means to help replenish the fish stock.

At a news conference in Accra, some fisher folks from Jamestown and La in the Greater Accra Region pleaded with the government to reverse the ban.

Spokesperson, Nii Nettey Nettey suggested government should completely ban the activities of fishing trawlers for two years .

“…Government through the ministry of fisheries should completely ban the activities of fishing trawlers for a period of two years. The sixty seven fishing trawlers which is in the exclusive economic zone should be reduced to 40,” he advised.

He claimed such practice has been successfully implemented in many countries including Morocco and china.

In his view, equipping the Ghana Navy will go a long way for them to curb illegal fishing activities in Ghanaian waters.

Meanwhile, he has accused government of inducing some fishermen to support the policy banning fishing activities in the whole of August.

“We have gathered information from Volta Region all the way to the western region …that the minister has gone round inducing people with money and we have evidence here at the James town landing beach”.