As part of President Akufo-Addo’s strategic plan to deal with illegal, unregulated and marine litter on its seas and fully supports a vigorous global treaties to combat plastic pollution and illegal marine activities on the high seas, Stakeholders in the Fisheries Industries has met to discuss ways to ensure pollution free Ocean.
President Akufo-Addo said in Ghana, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities had contributed significantly to the decline of fish stocks.
That, he said, had compelled Ghana to spend about US$200 million annually to import fish to shore up the country’s fish requirements.
As part of the Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP), Key Stakeholders met at a roundtable dialogue to create awareness on the SOP and its processes, identify challenges and opportunities at the Subnational Level and also mobilize support and co-develop the Sustainable Ocean Plan with all stakeholders.
Speaking to Obaatanpa News Nana Yaw after the roundtable dialogue held at Winneba in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region, a Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Scientist, Dr. Benjamin Osei Botwe noted that, this engagement will play a vital role in government’s vision ensure blue ocean economy.
The University Lecturer, Dr. Benjamin further cited some activities polluting the ocean. He noted that activities like illegal fishing activities, illegal mining, open defecation and improper littering of our coastal areas.
He said these activities are negatively having impact on our sea of which fisherfolks and other people must desist from illegal activities on the sea.
The stakeholders engagement saw key stakeholders including MCEs and MMDAs from various Districts and Municipalities, Chief Fishermen and representatives from the Fisheries Ministry and Naval Command.
Speaker to Obaatanpa News, Winneba Chief Fisherman, Neenyi Mbir IV on his part urged the government to also consult Nananom and Fishermen before ensuring close season even though the initiative is good.
He said they are currently in the fishing season but here comes the case government says the 2023 fishing closed season has kicked start.
He believes proper stakeholders engagement will meet the motive of the closed season.
