The minister for Fisheries and Acqua – Culture development, and Member of Parliament for Krowor constituency of the greater Accra region, Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye has embarked on sensitization tour at Secondi Takoradi of the western region to educate fishermen and also solicit painstaking agitations about the imminent ban ahead of the close season from 15th May – 15 June, 2019.
The fisheries minister who was in company with the municipal chief executive of secondi Takoradi Hon. Albert K.K Sam as well as appointees at the Ministry toured selected fishing hubs at Secondi Takoradi to familiarized themselves with raging issues on the ground regarding the close season.
Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye explained to the seafarers that, the close season should be embrace by all stakeholders especially fishermen and partners in the fishing industry, since the temporary ban is only meant for a bumper harvest , but subtly not to negatively affect their economic live.
Some disgruntled audiences’ who showed resentment towards the directive by the sector minister remarked the month long ban will affect their income, and burden their living conditions.
“People in high places are in bed with foreigners over activities of per – trawling and they are here telling us what” A fishmonger fumed !
The announcement of the close season by government which has been scheduled in May 2019, have received mixed reactions by stakeholders within the coastal communities who are mostly engaged in fish trading. However some expert have jumped to the defense of the
ministry that, the policy is aimed at increasing bumper harvest to enhance production for livelihood sustainability for the industry players.
A cross section of fisherfolks who converged at Albert Bosomtwi Sam Fishing Harbour in the Secondi Takoradi Municipality told the minister to liaise with marine, and aquatic experts in fishing in order to find innovative means by way of proxy to curb the perennial activity of close season, instead of a yearly ban on fishing activities in the country.
The Minister on the other hand the expectants fishermen that previous statistics have shown the months of July and August as being the most desirable periods where bumper stocks are recorded after closing expires.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Secondi Takoradi municipal Assembly, Hon. Albert K.K Sam also reiterated the Akufo Addo government’s commitment for Fisher folks across the coastal belt in the country, and advised them to adhered to the policy direction by the Ministry for Fisheries and Acqua Development for the benefit of all and sundry.
Nana Dogbe / AHOTOR news/ ahotoronline.com
