By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Tension along the Keta Basin coastline, Ketu South escalated into violence over the weekend after three canoes belonging to members of the Concerned Net Owners Association of Denu Landing Beach were allegedly burnt and destroyed by suspected poly net operators from Adina.
Reports reaching News Volta indicate that the incident occurred on Sunday night, but was discovered early Monday morning, January 26, 2026, sending shockwaves through the Denu fishing community.
“Our canoes were not fishing — they were anchored”
In a brief interview with News Volta, the Chairman of the Concerned Net Owners Association, Mr. Francis Bedzo, who also doubles as the Volta Regional Organizer of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), emotional described the act as “wicked, provocative, and deeply painful.”
According to him, the destroyed canoes were peacefully anchored at their designated point, with no fishing activities ongoing.
“We deliberately stopped fishing and asked our members to remain calm,” Mr. Bedzo said.
“We are waiting patiently for the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Nicholas Worklachie, to properly address the outstanding issues along the Keta Basin coast. Yet we woke up to see our canoes burnt.”
He stressed that the Denu net owners had chosen dialogue over confrontation, especially following unresolved tensions between poly net operators and traditional net owners.
Mr. Bedzo linked the violence to what he described as hasty declarations and selective posture by the Municipal Chief Executive during an earlier engagement held on January 8, 2026.
“Conflicts are not resolved with haste or by taking sides,” he cautioned.
“When leadership sends unclear or one-sided signals, it encourages lawlessness. This is no longer about nets — it is about lives.”
He warned that continued failure to apply the Fisheries Act evenly and to bring all parties to the table could lead to further violence at sea.
Members of the Denu fishing community who spoke to News Volta expressed fear and anger, describing the burning of the canoes as an attack on livelihoods.
“A canoe is a man’s life,” one fisherman lamented.
“If this continues, people will not be safe on the sea or on land.”
The fishermen insist that both poly net fishing and light fishing are illegal, and that selective enforcement only fuels resentment and chaos.
The Concerned Net Owners Association is calling for:
- Immediate security intervention at landing beaches
- A full investigation into the arson attack
- An urgent stakeholder meeting involving the MCE, Fisheries Commission, Marine Police, traditional authorities, and all fishing groups
- Equal enforcement of fisheries laws without fear or favour
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made, and tensions remain high along the Ketu South coastline.
The incident marks a dangerous turning point in the ongoing fishing dispute and underscores growing calls for firm, fair, and transparent leadership before the situation spirals beyond control.
Source News Volta
