The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development wishes to refer to an article which was published at the back page of Tuesday, July 22, 2014 issue of the Ghanaian Times, captioned as above and wishes to call on all stake holders, especially members of the James Town Landing beach, whose fishing nets had been seized to exercise restraints as the Ministry is currently taking due steps to amicably address the issue.

The Ministry, however, wishes to stress that having recognized the proliferation of illegal fishing methods, including the use of monofilament nests, and its negative effects on Ghana’s fishing resources, has established a Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) in accordance with Section 94, of the Fisheries Act 2002, Act 625.

We are also calling on all stakeholders to assist the Ministry to protect our water bodies. Having stated the above, the Ministry wishes to reiterates its call on the affected members of the James Town Landing beach to exercise patience and collaborate with its members for a peaceful deliberation and resolution of the problem.

[By James Azamesu, Public Relations Officer of the Fisheries Commission]