By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, May 23, GNA - A planned meeting between the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and fishermen, to discuss the menace of light fishing, came to a standstill, when a group of them protested against efforts to ban the activity.
The meeting, scheduled between officials of the Ministry and Chief Fishermen from the various fishing communities in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central Regions, in Accra at the weekend was disrupted by a large number of placard wielding fishermen, who were shouting no to a ban on light fishing.
The timely intervention of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service prevented the fishermen from entering the premises where the meeting was to be held.
Some of the placards read: “We will not quit light fishing.”
In an interaction with Ghana News Agency, some of the fishermen said there was the need for a broader consultation with them before the ban could take place.
Mr Samuel Ashitey, a canoe owner at the Tema Landing Beach, said one of his main concerns was the unlawful fishing in Ghanaian waters by foreign vessels, which led to low harvest by the local fishermen.
He said in the interim, light fishing was the only way to make a living.
Mr Adjetey Arobela, another fisherman appealed to the Ministry to authorise the taskforce that seized their implements on high seas to release them as a way to solve the impasse and help them make a living.
GNA
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