The National Premix Fuel Secretariat has revealed an indefinite suspension of Premix Fuel Supply to some four landing beaches in the Central Region.
The four landing beaches include, British Komenda, Dago, Moree and Abandze.
The decision forms part of punitive measures for light fishing and other illegal fishing activities perpetrated by fisher folks in such areas.
The secretariat in letter addressed to the Chief Executives of the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA), Mfantsiman, Abura Asebu Kwamankese and Gomoa West districts indicated that “Light fishing and other illegal fishing activities perpetrated by fishermen is viewed seriously by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and its agencies because of its negative impacts on marine stock and industry growth.
The letter further stated that “The National Premix Fuel Secretariat and, indeed, MOFAD is aware that premix fuel, which is subsidised by government, is regrettably used to fuel generators for the illicit practice of light fishing.”
Earlier this year, The European Commission issued a second yellow card to Ghana on her failure to tackle IUU fishing and warned that the country risk being identified as a non-cooperating country in the fight against IUU fishing.
The E.U. warned that the country stands to lose its access to the European seafood market unless it works more urgently to tackle the illegal fishing within its exclusive economic zone.
The Minister for fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has therefore resolved to address the various challenges facing Ghana’s fisheries sector.
According to her a collaborative effort is needed to promote Ghana’s fisheries in order to promote food security in the country.
Source: Aba Aikins Appah/ATLFMNEWS
