The Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson says fishermen in Elmina of the Central Region will continue to observe the closed season despite the reopening of the sea for artisanal and inshore fleets.
In an interview with JoyNews after the reopening ceremony at Sekondi Fishing Habour on Saturday, Madam Koomson explained that the decision is to serve as punishment for the fishermen to stop illegal fishing activities.
The Minister further stated that since the fishers refused to accept her campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities when she visited on Tuesday, June 27, it is important her outfit keeps them in check for some time.
“After my presentation on Tuesday, they said I said, they should stop the Saiko and light fishing which they were not happy with and so I should reverse that statement and I said no. I wasn't ready and so they said if I am not going to reverse, I should take back the items I brought for them and I did”.
“Now they are begging, they have come to apologize, I am told they had a press conference, one of the chief fishermen is here to apologize but we still have to punish them for that I will not hide it,” she added.
She noted that the fishers will be refused premix fuel and other logistics they need from the government for their fishing expedition for some time until they are willing to comply with the directive of legal fishing.
National Best Fisherman 2019, Joseph Hemans Asmah who represented the fishing community in Elmina appealed to the sector minister to temper justice with mercy.
He explained to JoyNews that those involved are not fishermen but people he described as ‘guru boys.’
"The fishermen were sitting down patiently waiting to hear from the minister but the guru boys they did that so I have to be here and apologize.
"If the woman says she won’t give us premix where will we get premix? If the woman says she won't give us outboard motors at control price where will we get some to buy? Whenever we are in need and we go and she closes her door to us those who did it, won't feel it,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
45 mins -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
55 mins -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
1 hour -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
1 hour -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
1 hour -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
3 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
3 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
4 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
5 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
6 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
6 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
6 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
6 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
6 hours