Ghana losing $10m to illegal fishing annually

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June 12, 2016 3:17 PM

Practically, perpetrators of trans-shipment evade taxes by refusing to berth at authorized harbours, but instead sell to fisherman onshore. This is illegal under Ghana’s fishing laws and is punishable by law with imprisonment.

minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Sherry Ayittey

Ghana loses 10 million dollars every year to trans-shipment on the country’s waters, according to the minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Sherry Ayittey.

This accounts for about half of the total amount of money lost to this illegal fish trade on the African continent, estimated as $30 million annually.

Madam Ayittey made this known at a stakeholders meeting held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi, at the start of a four-day tour of the Western Region.

“Every agency has a vital role to play in ensuring harmonious fisheries management”.

“We have a common goal thus, to protect the sea from pollution and exploitation in view of its economic importance. There are fish stock, gas and oil resources which are crucial for the country’s economic growth, industries and individuals as well”, she said.

The Minister also added that pair trawling has been outlawed by the fisheries Regulation 2010, LI 1968, and, therefore, asked the fisheries taskforce to enforce the ban.

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