James Town fishermen protest closed season, demand better support

Some fisher folk at James Town Beach are demanding an end to the closed fishing season.

According to them, the current economic downturn is exacerbating their living conditions since their primary source of income has been abruptly halted.

This year’s Closed Fishing Season, as announced by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, began on July 1, 2024.

The initiative is aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s marine resources by allowing fish stocks to replenish and reproduce undisturbed by fishing activities. During this period, all forms of fishing, including artisanal and industrial methods, are strictly prohibited in Ghanaian waters.

While this initiative, according to the Ministry, is for the better, Seth Nii Ashamo Tagoe, a fisher folk who spoke to Channel One News, said, “I cannot ask someone for money because they know I work. Our colleagues are out there working but we are not. We are pleading with the government to stop the politics and address our concerns. We are suffering.”

Albert Nii Armah, another fisher folk added, “We don’t understand why they have implemented the closed fishing season. It used not to be so in previous years. We have never understood the closed fishing season initiative. Why don’t they close the forest but the sea? Now we are here doing nothing. We have no money now but we have to fend for our wives and children.”

In a bid to support these fisher folk during this season and enable them to provide for their families, the sector minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, announced her outfit’s intention to provide relief items, including rice and oil. But are these items enough amidst recent economic hardship?

Joshua Armah, a fisherman, answered, “We have children in school and wives to take care of. Instead of the government to give us money, we are receiving rice and oil. How can we use that to pay our kids school fees?” he questioned.

Meanwhile the Chief Fisherman at James Town Beach ⁠Nii Armah Wulu II acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry but emphasised the crucial need for adequate alternatives.

“I don’t think the relief items are sufficient. We are only managing. Some of the young people among us are now “trotro” mates. They are worried about taking care of their children. Giving one bag of rice to ten people to share is a problem. It is not enough because some have two or more wives and children.”

When asked about how his outfit is ensuring compliance with the directive, he said, “Once they have closed the sea at least we have bad nuts inside. Some will go and fish in the night, but we are doing our best to ensure they all comply.”

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