The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, alongside the Fisheries Commission, has imposed a 12-month suspension on the fishing licenses of four industrial trawl vessels operating in Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) due to repeated violations of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968).
The suspended vessels—Meng Xin 10 (owned by Nassa Co. Ltd.), Florence 2 (owned by Akrafi Fisheries), Long Xiang 607, and Long Xiang 608 (both owned by Wannimas Complex Co. Ltd.)—have been implicated in illegal activities such as unauthorised transshipment, dumping of fish, fishing in protected areas, and harvesting juvenile fish.
In a statement released on April 1, 2025, the Ministry highlighted the severe environmental and socio-economic consequences of these actions. These illegal practices undermine the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries, threaten marine ecosystems, and harm the livelihoods of local coastal communities dependent on fishing.
The Ministry’s decision to suspend the licenses follows provisions in Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which empower the Minister to enforce penalties for repeat violations. This suspension is seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the notorious “Saiko” transshipment practice, which has long been a challenge for the country’s fishing industry.
The Fisheries Ministry has underscored that such illegal activities not only deplete vital fish stocks but also contribute to the erosion of incomes for artisanal fishers and threaten food security. Moreover, these actions contravene international fisheries agreements and impede progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine resources.
The Ministry has called for greater adherence to fishing regulations, warning that further violations will lead to more stringent sanctions, including the potential cancellation of licenses and legal actions. Despite continued regulatory efforts, some operators persist in illegal practices, highlighting the need for more robust enforcement to safeguard Ghana’s marine resources and ensure the long-term viability of its fisheries sector.
