BY: DANIEL ASARE
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission have suspended the fishing licenses of four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I 1968).
The vessels namely, Meng Xin 10, Florence 2 as well as Long Xiang 607 and Long Xian 608 were found to have engaged in multiple illegal fishing practices, including unauthorized transshipment and fishing in restricted zones.
In accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), which empower the Minister to suspend licenses of vessels involved in repeated illegalities, the affected vessels have had their licenses suspended for a period of twelve months, which took effect on April 1, 2025.
Ghana’s fisheries sector has long been challenged by overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities, which continue to endanger marine biodiversity, erode the income of artisanal fishers and compromise national food security.
These violations are not only breaches of domestic law but also contravene intentional obligation and and hinder progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, education and regulatory reforms, certain industrial fishing operators continue to act with impunity. The Ministry reiterates its unwavering commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations as part of its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s marine resources.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to caution all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial and artisanal—to comply fully with the provisions of the law. Continued violations will attract sanctions including license suspensions, cancellations and legal action.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission remain resolute in its mission to promote responsible and sustainable fisheries management in Ghana for the benefit of present and future generations.