Accra, Ghana – April 1, 2025 – The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission have suspended the fishing licenses of 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 affected vessels are:
- 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.)
Illegal Fishing Practices and Environmental Concerns
Investigations revealed that these vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities, including:
- Unauthorised transshipment (commonly known as Saiko)
- Dumping of fish
- Fishing in restricted zones
- Harvesting juvenile fish
In a statement issued on April 1, 2025, the Fisheries Ministry noted that such activities pose severe threats to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, undermine sustainable fisheries management, and negatively impact coastal fishing communities’ livelihoods.
12-Month Suspension Imposed
Under Sections 76(1) and 76(2) of the Fisheries Act, which empower the Minister to suspend licenses for repeated infractions, the vessels’ licenses have been suspended for 12 months, effective April 1, 2025.
Illegal transshipment (Saiko) has long been a major challenge for Ghana’s fisheries sector, contributing to:
- Depletion of fish stocks
- Erosion of artisanal fishers’ incomes
- Threats to national food security
- Violations of international obligations, hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (conserving marine resources).
Ministry’s Warning and Future Actions
The Fisheries Ministry reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of fisheries laws, warning that:
“Continued violations will attract sanctions, including further license suspensions, cancellations, and legal action.”
The Ministry urged all fishing operators—including industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal sectors—to comply with regulations to ensure sustainable fisheries management.
Despite ongoing stakeholder engagements and regulatory reforms, certain operators continue to violate the law. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to protecting marine resources for present and future generations.
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