HUNDRED FISHERMEN have been apprehended by the Fisheries Watch Volunteer group at Prampram in the Greater Accra Region for allegedly engaging in light fishing.
The fishermen were reportedly using 26 generator sets with high intensity light accessories in contravention of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (LI 1968).
Section 11 of the Fisheries Regulation stipulates that a person shall not within fishing waters of Ghana, use any fishing method that aggregates fish by light attraction, including the use of portable generator sets, switch boards, bulbs beyond 500 watts or bulb which culminating light intensity attracts fish and long cables able to facilitate light production.
The arrested fishermen were said to be using DDT, carbide, dynamite and light for fishing.
The use of chemicals such DDT and carbide poses a serious health hazard to fish consumers.
Confirming the arrest to DAILY GUIDE, Nene Sorsey Quarshie, chief fisherman for Prampram, explained that 13 canoes with outboard motors which were impounded were having an average of two generator sets with light accessories, some of which had high intensity.
According to him, the arrested fishermen had been handed over to the Prampram police for investigations and prosecution.
He warned that any fishermen who might embark on illegal fishing would be dealt with according to the law.
Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development who directed the prosecution of the suspects, told journalists that the government is determined to end illegal fishing in the country.
According to her, the law would continue to be applied, irrespective of who is involved, as a way of ensuring sustainable fish stock in the sea.
Ms Afoley Quaye said the culprits would be arraigned before a court of law for purportedly breaking the fisheries law.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema