Accra: The Journalists for Responsible Fisheries and Environment (JFRE), a network of journalists and media advocates, has called on the government to reverse its decision to exempt artisanal fishers from the annual closed fishing season. The group argues that this exemption undermines the Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022-2026) and the Fisheries Act (Act 625), threatening Ghana's efforts to replenish its dwindling fish stock.
According to Ghana News Agency, the implementation of the closed season has been a contentious issue among fisherfolk, who express concerns over the resulting hardships, often downplaying the policy's impact on marine stocks. The policy has been politicized, with the current government, while in opposition, promising to exempt artisanal fishers.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Kingsley Nana Buadu, and dated April 08, 2025, JFRE strongly opposed the new directive, warning of severe consequences for the country's fishery sector. The group emphasized that such government decisions could undo the progress made by academia, Fisheries scientific working groups, the Fisheries Commission, NGOs, Civil Society, and the media.
The statement highlighted the efforts invested in encouraging artisanal fishers to adhere to the annual closed season to replenish fish stocks. It noted that compliance levels last year were notably high, reflecting the success of education and awareness initiatives.
JFRE cautioned against reversing progress in rebuilding the fish stock, stressing the importance of preserving the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on artisanal fisheries. The group urged President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) to reconsider their decision and enforce all management measures to protect Ghana's fisheries urgently.
The network specifically advocated for the enforcement of fisheries laws, the registration and licensing of all canoes, and maintaining the moratorium on new canoes to prevent overcapacity. It also called for penalties for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, the use of multifilament nets by artisanal fishers, and adherence to traditional non-fishing days and an additional fishing holiday.
JFRE, a journalist and media advocacy network, focuses on fisheries, blue economy, environment, and climate change adaptation. Over the past decade, it has collaborated with state institutions, fishers, fisher associations, academia, NGOs, Civil Society Groups, and funding agencies across Ghana's four Coastal Regions to protect the country's fishery resources.
