Accra: Mr Gilbert Paa Kwesi Sam, Deputy Executive Director of Blue Economy and Governance Consult, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider a petition from industrial fishers regarding the decision to extend Ghana's Inshore Economic Zone (IEZ).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Sam emphasized the importance of the President's consideration of the extension petition due to its significant implications for fishers and other users of Ghana's territorial waters. He urged the President to revisit the decision, suggesting that misconceptions about foreign entities may have influenced it.
During a media forum organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority on the topic "Extending Ghana's Inshore Exclusive Zone: Implications for Industrial Fisheries," Mr Sam highlighted the pressing nature of the extension issue and its historical context. He noted that the 12 nautical mile extension arose from allegations and disputes among sea users, particularly concerning industrial and artisanal trawlers accused of encroaching on territories and depleting fish stocks.
Mr Sam pointed out that the 1992 Constitution mandates that all natural resources belong to the republic and are entrusted to the President on behalf of the people. He questioned the notion of exclusive ownership over fish in the sea and stressed the need for partnerships with foreign entities to utilize their expertise, as Ghana does not manufacture its own vessels.
He further explained that vessels flying Ghana's flag must land their catch at Ghanaian ports, where it is processed and accounted for before export. He assured that the majority of fish caught, around 95 percent, is sold to Ghanaians, with only specific types like cuttlefish and octopus being exported due to low local demand.
Mr Sam raised concerns about the potential consequences of extending the inshore economic zone, warning that it could result in Ghana being permanently flagged with a yellow card, escalating to a red card status. He stressed the challenges of enforcing patrols over the extended area and the risk of increased illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
He urged stakeholders to thoroughly consider the issue's implications before implementation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the policy's broader impact on the nation's fishing industry and international standing.
