The serene waters of Bruben, nestled in the Afram Plains, have recently become a site of controversy and danger as local fishermen face a growing threat from illegal fishing practices introduced by foreign fishermen, reportedly from the Sahelian region. This alarming development has not only endangered lives but also disrupted the livelihoods of the local fishing community, raising urgent calls for government intervention.
The Emergence of Long-Line Hook Fishing Gear
The root of the issue lies in the introduction of a hazardous fishing method known as long-line hook fishing. This technique involves stretching long ropes or lines with multiple hooks at close intervals across the river. While it may be an effective method for catching fish, it poses significant risks to both human life and the environment. Fishermen and even unsuspecting individuals can easily become entangled in these hooks, leading to serious injuries.
Within a short span of time, several local fishermen have fallen victim to this perilous practice. Reports indicate that individuals, including Toffa Awayiwe and Christian Osah, sustained severe injuries after becoming entangled in the hooks. These victims required urgent medical attention, with surgical procedures performed at local healthcare facilities to remove the embedded hooks from their bodies.
Delayed Response and Calls for Justice
The situation has been further exacerbated by allegations of inaction and negligence on the part of authorities. Local fishermen claim that their initial complaints were not taken seriously until the intervention of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afram Plains, Madam Mawusi (Cate) Babanawo. Despite this, community leaders allege that the foreign fishermen were permitted to continue their hazardous activities, leading to additional injuries among local fishermen.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, visited the area and issued a directive to halt the illegal practice immediately. However, reports suggest that the foreign fishermen, with alleged support from local collaborators, have continued their operations unabated. This defiance has prompted some local fishermen to take matters into their own hands by removing the dangerous hook lines from the river themselves.
Escalating Tensions and Temporary Resolutions
The removal of the hook lines by local fishermen has sparked further conflict, with foreign fishermen reportedly lodging complaints with the police. This resulted in the temporary detention of some local fishermen. Although there were initial reports that these individuals faced possible prosecution, Afram Plains Zonal Fisheries Officer Victor Kobladze later clarified that no one is currently under arrest or facing charges. He explained that the detentions were brief and aimed at calming tensions in the community.
According to Mr. Kobladze, the Eastern Regional Director of Fisheries has intervened to mediate between the conflicting parties. A temporary halt to the disputed fishing method has been achieved, and efforts are underway to assess the legality and environmental impact of the fishing gear at a national level. The emphasis now is on maintaining peace while a long-term solution is sought.
The Legal Perspective: Violations of the Fisheries Act
The use of long-line hook fishing gear in inland waters is explicitly prohibited under Ghana’s Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625). The Act outlaws any fishing methods that are destructive or harmful to humans, fish populations, or aquatic ecosystems. By monopolizing sections of the river and endangering human lives, this practice directly contravenes national laws designed to protect both people and natural resources.
Local fishermen have voiced their frustration over how this illegal practice has not only endangered their lives but also hindered their ability to earn a livelihood. The monopolization of fishing zones by foreign operators has effectively blocked access to vital resources for many families who depend on fishing as their primary source of income.
The Path Forward
While the situation in Bruben appears to have been temporarily stabilized, it underscores a broader issue that requires urgent attention from both local and national authorities. The continued use of illegal fishing methods threatens not only the safety of individuals but also the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods dependent on them.
As efforts to resolve this matter progress, it is imperative for the government and relevant stakeholders to enforce existing laws under the Fisheries Act and ensure that such practices are permanently eradicated. Additionally, fostering dialogue between local and foreign fishermen is crucial to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
The plight of Bruben’s fisherfolk serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant enforcement of regulations in Ghana’s inland waters. It is our collective responsibility to protect these communities and preserve their way of life while safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. Let us hope that swift and decisive action will lead to a just resolution for all parties involved.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
