The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, along with the Fisheries Commission, has declared the suspension of fishing licenses for four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This action is a result of ongoing violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The vessels affected by this suspension are Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.).
These vessels have been implicated in various illegal fishing activities, including unauthorized transshipment, discarding fish, fishing in prohibited areas, and capturing juvenile fish.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 1, the Fisheries Ministry emphasized that such practices pose significant risks to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, undermine sustainable fisheries management, and negatively affect the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
Pursuant to Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which empower the Minister to suspend licenses for repeated infractions, the licenses of the implicated vessels have been suspended for a period of 12 months, effective April 1, 2025.
Illegal fishing activities, particularly transshipment (commonly referred to as Saiko), have long been a persistent issue within Ghana’s fisheries sector. These practices deplete fish populations, diminish the incomes of artisanal fishers, and jeopardize national food security.
Additionally, they contravene international commitments and obstruct progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to the rigorous enforcement of fisheries regulations to protect marine resources. “Ongoing violations will result in penalties, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal proceedings,” the Ministry cautioned. It also called upon all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—to adhere to the law.
Notwithstanding continuous engagement with stakeholders and the implementation of regulatory reforms, some operators persist in their actions without accountability. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable fisheries management to benefit both current and future generations.
