Nii Adjei Wanwanjanh, Teshie Chief Fisherman, pouring libation to lift the ban on fishing as Afoley-Quaye and others look on
Fisher-folks along the Teshie beaches in the Greater Accra Region have vowed to stop using light for fishing.
They have also resolved to halt the use of DDT and other harmful chemicals for fishing as well as cease engaging in other unsafe fishing practices at sea.
They made the resolutions during a ceremony last Saturday at the Sangoenaa Teshie Beach in Accra, to lift the ban on fishing in the community which has been in force for a month.
Both fishermen and fish mongers agreed to ban illegal fishing activities and bring defaulters to book.
At the ceremony, was the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Elizabeth Afoley-Quaye, who in her address admonished the fisherfolk and the community at large to desist from all manner of unsafe fishing practices.
This, she said, would allow for bumper catch which would aide greatly the economic situation of the residents.
She expressed delight for the success of the ban following a long fought battle to ensure its implementation.
She commended the leadership of the community and the fisherfolk for their patience, perseverance and understanding to make the ban a reality.
She also assured them of government’s continuous support in the coming days while counseling them to be their own police – to arrest and hand over anyone caught breaking the laws to the nearest Police Station.
Chairman for the Ledzokuku Fishermen Association, Nii Mensah Tukorwenim revealed that, staying a whole month without fishing had been a tough challenge for the people of the community as fishing has been the main source of income for them.
He assured that, the fishermen are poised to play by the rules and would ensure that the sea is kept clean at all times so not to endanger the lives of the fishes.
Nii Adjei Wanwanjanh, Teshie Head of Fishermen advised his colleagues to ensure they stick to traditional methods of fishing – void of any harmful chemical or unsafe practices.
By Nii Adjei Mensahfio