Government’s policy to construct cold stores along the fishing communities has come under stinging attacks from the National Democratic Congress. Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress has told Joy news that government has no basis to construct cold stores because the fish stock had been depleted due to the practice of pair trawling in Ghana. “There is no need to put up any fish infrastructure when there is no fish stock. When you put up cold stores are you going to put beef or pork in them?” he remarked. He said sustainable measures to maintain the stock of the fish was the way to go and an NDC government will vigorously pursue policies in that direction. NDC flag-bearer Prof. John Evans Atta Mills has accused the ruling NPP of neglecting the fishing community, because its leader president Kufuor was not born along the coast and therefore has little idea the needs of fishermen. But Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Mrs Gladys Asmah mounted a strong defence for government in an interview with Joy News. She told Matilda Asante the practice of pair trawling was introduced by Owusu Acheampong, the former Minister of Agriculture in the NDC regime and was a mark of double standards for the same party to turn around and accuse the government of a practice they introduced. She said the government after consultations with stakeholders outlawed the practice of pair trawling due to its devastating effects on the industry. She conceded some single trawlers engaged in the practice by illegally pairing, and called on the navy patrolling the high seas to be more vigilant in order to put an end to the practice. Asked why the government was going to construct cold stores three months into election, Hon Asmah explained that the ministry which was only established in 2005 went through several negotiations and has just secured loans for the project. “We signed a contract in 2006 with the Chinese government, but went through several consultations in 2007. We now have all the documents ready and will start the project before the year ends.” She said the cold stores, landing sites and harbours are part of a comprehensive policy to boost the fishing industry. Listen to the interview Author: Nathan Gadugah