By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Concerned net owners at the Denu Landing Beach in the Ketu South Municipality have intensified their criticism of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Nicholas Worklachie, accusing him of selective enforcement of fisheries laws and actions that are indirectly encouraging the continued use of illegal poly nets, despite clear provisions in Ghana’s fisheries regulations.
In separate interviews with News Volta, Francis Bedzo and George Akpe, both leading members of the Concerned Net Owners Association, expressed deep frustration over what they describe as an unbalanced and negligent approach to addressing illegal fishing along the Ketu South coast.
“Both Are Illegal, But Only One Is Targeted”
Speaking passionately, Francis Bedzo said the MCE’s public declaration of arrests targeting only light fishing has emboldened poly net operators, even though both practices are illegal under the Fisheries Act.
“Hon. Nicholas Worklachie went on to declare arrests on light fishing, but by doing that alone, he is indirectly telling poly net fishers to continue their activities. Meanwhile, poly nets and light fishing are both illegal by law,” Mr. Bedzo stated.
He warned that the continued tolerance of poly nets and undersized mesh nets is destroying juvenile fish, leading to rapid depletion of fish stocks and threatening the livelihoods of law-abiding fishers.
He added that despite a stakeholder engagement held on January 8th, 2026, where the MCE directed fishing groups to submit reports on their activities and impacts on marine life. The association further revealed that Denu Concerned Net Owners submitted their report to the MCE as directed, detailing illegal fishing practices and their impact on marine resources. However, they say the MCE failed to call both groups together—poly net operators and traditional net users—for dialogue or resolution.
“We submitted our report in good faith, expecting a fair meeting where all sides would be heard. Up to now, no such meeting has been called,” Francis Bedzo lamented.
He described the situation as one-sided enforcement that has deepened mistrust and heightened tensions at sea.
“This Is Not Enforcement, It Is Encouragement”
For his part, George Akpe described the situation as dangerous and unfair, saying the MCE’s posture has created confusion and fear among traditional net owners while illegal operators act with confidence.
“When you punish one illegal act and ignore another, you are not enforcing the law—you are encouraging crime. Poly net fishing is wiping out the sea. If this continues, there will be no fish left for the next generation,” Mr. Akpe cautioned.
Ignored Petitions, Rising Tensions
The net owners referenced a formal petition dated February 17, 2025, submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), detailing how poly nets—some exceeding 500 yards instead of the approved 50 yards—are operating openly in communities such as Adina and nearby areas.
They say the lack of decisive action has also fueled conflicts at sea, including harassment and attacks on fishers who do not engage in poly net fishing.
Call for Immediate and Fair Enforcement
The Concerned Net Owners Association is calling on MoFAD, the Marine Police, the Navy and the Volta Regional authorities to step in and ensure equal enforcement of the Fisheries Act, without fear or favour.
“We want one thing: apply the law as it is written. If light fishing is illegal, arrest them. If poly nets are illegal, stop them too. Don’t protect one group and punish another,” Francis Bedzo concluded.
The association warns that unless urgent and balanced action is taken, illegal poly net and mesh size net fishing will permanently damage marine ecosystems and collapse fishing livelihoods along the Ketu South coastline.
Source News Volta
