Government suspends licenses of four industrial vessels for illegal fishing

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, has announced the suspension of fishing licenses for four industrial trawl vessels operating within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This action follows repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).

The affected vessels include Meng Xin 10, owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.; Florence 2, operated by Akrafi Fisheries; and Long Xiang 607 and Long Xiang 608, both under the ownership of Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd. Investigations revealed that these vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities, including unauthorised transshipment, fish dumping, fishing in restricted areas, and harvesting juvenile fish.

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 1, the Ministry highlighted the severe consequences of these violations. “These activities pose serious threats to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, compromise sustainable fisheries management, and adversely impact the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities,” the statement noted.

According to Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, the Minister has the authority to suspend licenses for repeated illegalities. As a result, the licenses of the implicated vessels have been suspended for 12 months, effective April 1, 2025.

Illegal fishing, particularly transshipment—locally known as Saiko—has long plagued Ghana’s fisheries sector. Such practices contribute to the depletion of fish stocks, undermine the incomes of artisanal fishers, and threaten national food security. Additionally, these activities violate international commitments and obstruct progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use marine resources.

Reaffirming its dedication to upholding fisheries regulations, the Ministry stated, “Continued violations will attract sanctions, including license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action.” It also urged all fishing operators—whether industrial, semi-industrial, or artisanal—to adhere strictly to the law.

Despite ongoing efforts, including stakeholder engagement and regulatory reforms, certain operators continue to flout the rules. The Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries management for the benefit of both present and future generations.

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