Dangerous Fishing in Afram Plains: Hooks Endanger Humans Instead of Fish

Fisherfolk of Bruben in the Afram Plains have made an urgent appeal to government authorities to intervene in what they describe as a dangerous and illegal fishing practice introduced into the area by foreign fishermen, mainly from the Sahelian region.

Within a short period, several local fishermen reportedly became entangled in long-line hook fishing gear laid across sections of the river and sustained serious injuries. Victims were rushed to the Donkor-Krom Hospital and the Avukorpe Clinic, where surgical procedures were carried out to remove hooks lodged in their bodies. Among those affected were Toffa Awayiwe and Christian Osah. Videos of the medical procedures were made available to this paper.

The victims claim that but for the intervention of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afram Plains, Mawusi (Cate) Babanawo, the law enforcement agencies would not have taken their statements after the incidents were reported. Opinion leaders in the community further alleged that despite the complaint lodged by the fishermen, the foreign fishermen were allowed to continue the hazardous practice, resulting in more victims.

When the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, later visited the area and was briefed on the situation, she reportedly directed that the practice be stopped immediately. However, the foreign fishermen, allegedly aided by some local collaborators, continued the activity.

This development compelled some local fishermen to remove the dangerous hook lines from the river. The action reportedly angered the foreign fishermen, who subsequently lodged a complaint with the police. This led to the arrest of some local fishermen, who were said to be facing possible prosecution, while the disputed fishing practice allegedly continued.

The fishing method in question involves fixing multiple hooks on long ropes or lines at very close intervals across the river, entangling any fish or person — that comes into contact with it. Local fishermen say the gear makes fishing extremely dangerous and effectively blocks and monopolises the river, preventing them from carrying out their livelihood.

The Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), outlaws fishing methods that are destructive or harmful to humans, fish, or the aquatic environment in both marine and inland waters. Long-line hook entanglement gear is illegal in inland waters under the Act.

Speaking to The Chronicle, the DCE for Afram Plains, Madam Mawusi Babanawo, acknowledged the issue but indicated that it had been resolved.

The Afram Plains Zonal Fisheries Officer, Victor Kobladze, also confirmed that tensions had arisen between local fishermen and expatriate fishermen at Bruben, but said the situation had been brought under control.

“The situation is under control,” he said, explaining that the intervention of the Eastern Regional Director of Fisheries led to a temporary halt of the disputed fishing method.

According to Mr. Kobladze, the Regional Director visited Bruben to gather first-hand information, engaged both parties, and assessed the concerns raised. He said the Director had since contacted the Fisheries Commission headquarters in Accra to seek an amicable and lasting solution.

“For now, we want peace to prevail. They have agreed to remain calm while the gear they are using is assessed at the national level,” he noted, adding that the fishing gear in question is considered new and requires further evaluation.

On reports that local fishermen had been arrested and were being processed for court, Mr. Kobladze denied this, stating that no one is currently facing prosecution.

“They were misbehaving destroying boats, canoes, and outboard motors. Some of them were detained briefly to calm the situation, and they are being released as understanding is reached. For now, no one is under arrest,” he said. The police, when contacted, also confirmed that the situation in Bruben has been brought under control.

 

 

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