Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Madam Emelia Arthur has vowed to enforce the law against fishers engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across Ghana’s coastal communities.
She made the remarks at a media engagement in Accra on challenges confronting the fisheries sector, particularly the use of dynamite, DDT, carbide, and light fishing, which she said continued to endanger marine ecosystems and public health.
“I’m not a pushover, I don’t work because of political expediency, I walk the talk, and I will crack the whip on fishers engaged in illegalities,”
“We know specific beaches in different communities and regions that don’t listen no matter the counsel, especially the artisanal fishers. They shall be prosecuted. The laws will work without fear or favour,” Madam Arthur declared.
The Minister said the Fisheries Enforcement Unit, comprising personnel from the Ghana Navy and Marine Police, was working with her office and the Ministers for Defence and Interior to ensure strict compliance.
“I am in conversation with my colleagues, Interior and Defence Ministers so that together we can use the little resources we have to ensure that we crack the whip. Trust me, we do what we say,” she said.
Madam Arthur also warned staff of the Fisheries Ministry and Fisheries Commission allegedly colluding with offenders, stating they would not be spared when caught.
She urged Chief Fishermen and leaders of fishing associations to educate their communities on the dangers of IUU fishing and called on the media to avoid publishing stories that defend offenders.
The engagement brought together fishers, canoe owners, fishmongers, fishing association leaders, and NGOs working within the blue economy.
Nii Adotei Akwei IV, Chief Fisherman of Kokrobite and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Canoe Fisherman Council, commended the Minister for spearheading the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.
“We are happy as an Association to see that you have extended the inshore exclusive zone for artisanal fishers from 6 nautical miles to 12 nautical miles.
“It is the best thing you have done for artisanal fishers. As Chief Fishermen, we are solidly behind you to crack the whip on the illegalities in our coastal communities,” he said.
Madam Millicent Aggrey, a canoe owner operating in Edina and Elmina, urged the Minister to begin enforcement in those areas, citing rampant violations.
She also raised concerns about the distribution of premix fuel, alleging hoarding and inflated pricing by officials who intimidate fishers under the guise of political authority.
Source: Access Agric
