The Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) has issued an urgent call for increased investment in maritime security following a recent armed attack on artisanal fishers off the coast of Senya Bereku in the Central Region. The incident, which involved over 70 artisanal fishers being reportedly attacked and robbed at gunpoint while conducting lawful fishing activities, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Ghana’s territorial waters.
In an official press statement, GITA expressed its solidarity with the affected fisherfolk, their families, and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC). The association emphasized that no Ghanaian fisherman should have to risk their life in the pursuit of their livelihood. Describing the attack as "deeply troubling," GITA warned that this incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of the nation’s waters to criminal activities.
The association highlighted that while the recent attack targeted artisanal fishers, such threats could extend to other categories of vessels, including industrial trawlers operating offshore. These vessels, which often carry high-value assets such as catch, fuel, machinery, and foreign crew members, could become attractive targets for criminal elements. GITA noted that the industrial fishing sector has previously experienced incidents of robbery, intimidation, and even crew kidnappings, resulting in both financial losses and human suffering.
GITA also referred to the recent enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 1146, which extends the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) to 12 nautical miles. While the association acknowledged the importance of regulatory reforms, it stressed that such measures must be accompanied by robust maritime enforcement and enhanced security mechanisms. Without adequate security coverage, GITA cautioned that fishers and investments in the sector could remain vulnerable to criminal activities.
To address the growing insecurity, GITA advocated for stronger inter-agency collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Ghana Navy, Marine Police, Fisheries Enforcement Unit, Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission, and National Security. The association called for improved surveillance systems, rapid response capabilities, and effective deterrence measures to ensure the safety of all maritime operators.
In its statement, GITA warned that criminal activities at sea do not discriminate based on vessel type. An attack on canoe fishers today could potentially escalate to assaults on industrial trawlers tomorrow if preventive measures are not implemented promptly and effectively.
While urging the government to increase state-led protection and maritime patrols, GITA also proposed initiating a structured and lawful discussion on vessel self-protection mechanisms within the framework of national security laws. The association emphasized that if adequate security cannot be guaranteed within lawful operating zones, alternative measures must be explored to safeguard lives and assets in the fisheries sector.
GITA concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to restore confidence in Ghana’s maritime sector. It underscored that insecurity in Ghana’s waters must not be allowed to become normalized and called for immediate action to protect livelihoods across the fisheries value chain.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
