Dr. Angela Lamptey, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Science, has warned that Ghana may soon be banned from exporting fish to the EU due to illegal fishing practices. She noted that Ghana has received a yellow card for harmful fishing methods and insufficient industry monitoring and regulations.
After addressing attendees at the Iwatch Africa gathering of coastal communities in Ghana following the publication of a report on industry developments, Dr. Lamptey delivered her remarks.
While cautioning that another yellow card may seriously harm the nation’s ratings, she gave her word that industry stakeholders are feverishly trying to buck the trend.
She stated:
“We are putting in more efforts to make things right. We hope that the EU will assess us again and give the necessary recommendation where necessary”
She emphasized the need to for all partners to join forces and help the country avoid a ban.
“We have done a lot of work in this regard and I can say that very soon Ghana may be out of this category else it will be a worry for many”.
Iwatch Africa reports that Ghana’s fishing industry is dominated by large-scale foreign vessel operators. Thirty-two percent of analyzed companies are linked to politically exposed persons (PEPs), mostly with Chinese interests, but many haven’t disclosed their PEP status as required by law. The Registrar of Companies in Ghana has not taken legal action against these violations. This issue benefits influential figures while harming the country.
Dr. Lamptey, part of a committee advising the Minister for Fisheries, urges calm, noting that legal reforms are in progress to introduce stricter penalties.
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