Central Region fisherfolk are urgently calling on Ghana’s government to reinstate the annual closed fishing season.
They argue the policy is vital for reviving depleted fish stocks and safeguarding their primary livelihood.
The appeal targets President John Mahama’s administration and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development directly.
According to Kojo Mensah, a prominent fisherman and community leader in Elmina, overwhelming support exists among local fishers for the ban’s return. Mensah stated that initial talks with Ministry officials included assurances about reintroducing the seasonal closure. He links the past policy directly to observable recovery in fish populations and increased income for fishing families.
“Our own experience and data prove that the closed season helps fish populations regenerate. When fishing resumes, we catch more and earn more. It’s a win-win for us and the ocean,” Mensah stated. He expressed growing community impatience, warning that protests are planned if the government fails to act promptly on its commitment.
“The Ministry made a promise, and we are holding them to it. This policy not only sustains our livelihoods but also contributes to national food security and marine conservation,” Mensah emphasised. Fisherfolk across the region reportedly stand ready to comply immediately once the ban is formally announced.
This demand surfaces amid severe declines in fish stocks. Overfishing, persistent illegal practices, and environmental damage along Ghana’s coast are driving the crisis. The closed season, observed in previous years, provides a crucial breeding period for fish species, enabling ecosystem recovery and sustainable future fishing.
Fishers view the policy restoration as an essential balance between immediate economic needs and long-term environmental health. Coastal communities heavily depend on fishing for income and nutrition. They anticipate the ban’s reinstatement will lead to larger catches and improved household earnings within a recovering marine environment.
