The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission have suspended
the fishing licences of four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and
the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The vessels—Meng Xin 10, (Owners: Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (Owners: Akrafi
Fisheries), as well as Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (Owners: Wannimas
Complex Co. Ltd.), were found to have engaged in multiple illegal fishing practices,
including unauthorised transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in restricted zones and
harvesting of juvenile fish. These practices severely threaten Ghana’s marine ecosystem,
undermine efforts toward sustainable fisheries management and adversely affect the
livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
In accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), which
empower the Minister to suspend licenses of vessels involved in repeated illegalities, the
affected vessels have had their licences suspended for a period of twelve (12) months,
effective 1st April 2025.
Ghana’s fisheries sector has long been challenged by overfishing and Illegal, Unreported and
Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, which continue to endanger marine biodiversity, erode
the income of artisanal fishers and compromise national food security. Practices such as
illegal transshipment—locally known as Saiko—have particularly contributed to the
depletion of key fish stocks and damaged the integrity of marine governance. Section 132
of Act 625 criminalizes illegal transshipment, while Regulation 33(2) of L.I. 1968 explicitly
prohibits transshipment between industrial vessels and canoes.
These violations are not only breaches of domestic law but also contravene international
obligations and hinder progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which
seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, education and regulatory reforms, certain
industrial fishing operators continue to act with impunity. The Ministry reiterates its
unwavering commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations as part of
its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s marine resources.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to caution all fishing operators—industrial, semi
industrial and artisanal—to comply fully with the provisions of the law. Continued
violations will attract sanctions including license suspensions, cancellations and legal
action.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission remain resolute
in their mission to promote responsible and sustainable fisheries management in Ghana for
the benefit of present and future generations.
For further clarification, contact the Ag. Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission,
Prof. Benjamin Campion on 024-777-6666 and email benjamin.campion@fishcom.gov.gh
END
Issued by:
Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Date: 1st April 2025