Ghana Navy confisticates 13 generators in illegal 'light fishing' crack down

Nii Ayitey Brown 12:50 - 21 February 2026

The Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy has intercepted illegal light fishing operations along the Prampram–Ada–Keta–Aflao coast, confiscating 13 generators and equipment in a renewed crackdown on IUU fishing in Ghana’s territorial waters.

In a robust enforcement action aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s marine resources, the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy intercepted and dismantled illegal light fishing operations along the Prampram–Ada–Keta–Aflao coastal corridor, the Navy has confirmed.

Acting on credible intelligence of widespread breaches of fisheries law, a Ghana Navy Ship, deployed with personnel from the National Fisheries Enforcement Unit, launched a dedicated fisheries patrol on 18 February 2026.

During the mission, units intercepted several groups of fishermen at Ada and Dzelukope actively engaged in “light fishing,” a prohibited practice that uses artificial illumination to lure fish after dark.

According to the official navy statement, the team “confirmed the use of light fishing equipment, including generators, cables, tripods, and bulbs,” and confiscated thirteen (13) generators along with associated light cables, tripods and bulbs from the offending vessels.

All seized items were transported to Naval Base Tema, where they remain pending further directives from the Fisheries Commission for disposal.

“This successful interception demonstrates the Ghana Navy’s proactive enforcement and zero-tolerance stance against practices that threaten sustainable marine resources,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed the service’s “unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime domain, safeguarding the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen, and ensuring full compliance with national and international fisheries laws.”

Light fishing is one of several banned methods that authorities say degrade fish stocks and disrupt marine ecosystems.

Other destructive practices documented along Ghana’s eastern shore include the use of dynamite, calcium carbide and illegal net types, according to reports from the Center for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana, which flagged a resurgence of illicit fishing in coastal waters this year.

The issue is part of a broader and long-standing challenge. Ghana has grappled with Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing across its territorial waters for years, affecting both artisanal and industrial sectors and undermining food security, local livelihoods and revenue.

In 2025 the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture suspended licences of four industrial trawlers for repeated illegal fishing violations, highlighting ongoing enforcement pressures.

The Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and associated regulations explicitly prohibit light fishing and other destructive practices, giving enforcement agencies legal grounds to arrest, sanction and confiscate prohibited gear.

The Navy’s operation reflects ongoing cooperation between maritime security forces and fisheries regulators. In its statement, the Ghana Navy emphasized that it will “continue close collaboration with stakeholders to eliminate IUU fishing and promote responsible exploitation of Ghana’s territorial waters.”

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