By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) has strongly condemned the burning and destruction of canoes belonging to fishermen at the Denu Landing Beach, describing the act as unlawful, dangerous, and a threat to peace along the Volta Basin coastline.
Speaking in an interview with News Volta, Torgbi Seth Agbo Kedey, a national leading member and PRO for Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC), said disputes in the fishing sector must never be resolved through violence or destruction of livelihoods.
“Burning canoes at Denu Landing Beach is totally unacceptable. Canoes are people’s livelihoods. No group has the right to destroy another person’s property under the guise of enforcing the law,” he stated.
Both Light Fishing and Poly Nets Are Illegal
Torgbi Kedey reiterated that both light fishing and the use of poly or monofilament nets are illegal under Ghana’s fisheries laws, specifically the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).
“The law is very clear. Light fishing is illegal. Poly net fishing is also illegal. These practices are not backed by the Fisheries Act, and they destroy juvenile fish and breeding grounds,” he emphasized.
Appeal for Regulation, Not Vigilante Actions
The GNCFC leader appealed to government authorities, fisheries enforcement agencies, and local assemblies to strictly enforce the Fisheries Act rather than allow communities to resort to self-help actions.
“What we need is regulation and enforcement, not vigilante justice. The Fisheries Act must be applied fairly to everyone, regardless of where they come from,” he said.
According to him, weak enforcement has allowed illegal fishing methods to flourish, leading to growing tension among fisherfolk in the Volta Basin, particularly in Ketu South.
Torgbi Kedey warned that if illegal fishing continues unchecked, the Volta Basin risks long-term depletion of marine resources, worsening poverty among fishing communities.
He called 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
- Education of fisherfolk on the law
- Peaceful conflict resolution through recognized institutions
Mr. Seth Agbo Kedey said, GNCFC maintains that safeguarding Ghana’s fisheries requires strict adherence to the Fisheries Act, protection of livelihoods, and zero tolerance for violence at landing beaches.
Source News Volta
