The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission has suspended the fishing licences for four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Ministry suspended the licenses of these vessels due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The four vessels involved are Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.).
The four vessels are accused of engaging to have in illegal fishing practices such as unauthorised transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones, and harvesting juvenile fish.
A statement issued by the Ministry indicated that these activities pose serious threats to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, compromise sustainable fisheries management, and adversely impact the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
The affected vessels’ licenses have been suspended for 12 months, effective April 1, 2025 in accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act.
Illegal fishing practices, particularly transshipment (locally known as Saiko), have been a long-standing challenge for Ghana’s fisheries sector. These activities deplete fish stocks, erode artisanal fishers’ incomes, and threaten national food security.
The statement said “Continued violations will attract sanctions, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action.”
The Ministry further advised all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—to comply with the law.
“Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement and regulatory reforms, certain industrial operators continue to act with impunity. The Ministry its unwavering commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations as part of its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s maritime resources.”
Below is the full statement
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
