The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has announced the suspension of licenses for four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The vessels—Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries) and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608 (owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.)—were found to have engaged in several illegal fishing activities.
These include unauthorized transshipment, fishing in restricted zones, dumping of fish, and harvesting juvenile fish, all of which are harmful to Ghana’s marine ecosystem and sustainable fisheries management.
In a statement released on April 1, 2025, the Ministry emphasized that these illegal activities pose significant threats to fish stocks, undermine the livelihoods of coastal communities, and jeopardize national food security.
The suspension of the vessels’ licenses is in accordance with Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which allow for the suspension of licenses due to repeated violations. The suspension will last for 12 months, effective immediately.
Illegal fishing practices, particularly transshipment (locally known as Saiko), have been an ongoing issue in Ghana’s fishing sector. These activities exacerbate the depletion of fish stocks and erode the incomes of artisanal fishers, further threatening food security and violating international agreements related to sustainable marine resource management.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws, stressing that continued violations will lead to further sanctions, including license cancellations and potential legal action. It also urged all fishing operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal—to fully comply with the law in order to preserve Ghana’s marine resources for future generations.
This action aligns with the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine resources. The Ministry remains steadfast in its efforts to protect Ghana’s marine ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for both the fishing industry and coastal communities.
