The mayor of Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Anthony K.K. Sam together with some assembly memebers paid a visit to the Sekondi Fishing Harbour to monitor activities after the end of the fishing closed season for the artisanal and indoor fleets.
The closed season that commenced on 15th May and ended on 15th June, 2019 was an initiative by the fisheries commission and MOFAD with the objective of reducing the excessive pressure and over-exploiting of fish stocks in Ghana’s marine waters.
The Fishing harbour Manager, Mr. Kordie, indicated that his office did not receive any reports on fishing during the closed season, and upon opening, all the fishermen have resumed active work for about a week now.
However, He added that, the fishermen have raised the concern that they would prefer to start the closed season together with the industrial fishers instead of the separated periods.
Hon. K.K. Sam, in an interaction with some fishermen, revealed that although they only resumed work a week ago, they recorded bumper harvest and believe that they will record much more in the subsequent weeks. They added that they are positive of a better future for the fishing communities in Ghana if this initiative is strictly enforced by the fisheries commission and the Government.
The mayor recommended the Sekendi fishing harbor management and fishermen for their compliance and patience during the close season period. He however urged them to advocate for good fishing practices to bring sanctity to the fishing sector.
