Workshop in Takoradi Highlights Urgent Need to Protect Ghana’s Declining Fish Stocks
At a recent workshop held in Takoradi, Mr. Osei-Akoto Nyantakyi, Programmes Officer at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), sounded the alarm on the rapid decline of Ghana’s fish stocks. He attributed this alarming trend to the combined effects of climate change and destructive fishing practices such as light fishing, dynamite use, and the deployment of toxic chemicals.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from various agencies, including the Ghana Navy, Marine Police Unit, and the Office of the Attorney-General. The primary objectives were to identify enforcement gaps, propose necessary reforms, and enhance coordination among the multiple bodies responsible for safeguarding marine resources.
Mr. Nyantakyi emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of fisheries laws, noting that weak enforcement and limited prosecution capacity severely undermine efforts to protect marine biodiversity.
Participants concurred that fisheries enforcement in Ghana is critically under-resourced, with limited personnel and equipment. Currently, enforcement is concentrated in just two marine zones—the Eastern and Western regions—leaving significant parts of the coastline inadequately covered.
To address these challenges, the workshop recommended the establishment of additional Fisheries Enforcement Units, particularly in the Central and Volta regions, to improve response times and coverage.
Concerns were also raised about existing legal provisions that allow certain fisheries offenses to be settled out of court, potentially weakening deterrence. Stakeholders called for a comprehensive review of these laws to close loopholes and ensure consistent prosecution of offenders.
The workshop concluded with a strong call for ongoing training programs targeting enforcement officers and legal practitioners involved in fisheries management, underscoring the need for a well-equipped and knowledgeable workforce to protect Ghana’s vital marine resources.
