The Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Division (MCSD) of the Fisheries Commission, working in tandem with the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) and the Greater Accra Regional Directorate, has intensified its crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities with a surprise operation at the Tema Fishing Harbour.
A spot inspection exercise at the inshore berth of the harbour on Tuesday 5 August caused a stir as enforcement officers swooped in, leading to the seizure of two generators and a tripod with electrical cables—equipment commonly associated with illegal light fishing practices.
The operation formed part of a broader anti-IUU strategy, carried out during a regional tour. Five fishing vessels were inspected during the exercise. According to the FEU, only three out of the five vessels possessed valid fishing licenses, while two were found to be operating with expired or no licenses.
More concerning was the discovery that two vessels were preparing to set out to sea equipped with prohibited light fishing gear, in clear violation of Ghana’s Fisheries Act and accompanying regulations.“It is an offense to fish without a valid license, and having prohibited equipment on board or even within 2 kilometers of the shore is also a punishable offense,” stated Commodore Faustina Anokye Boakye, National Coordinator of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit, who led the operation.
The offending vessels found without valid licenses have been given a one-week ultimatum to regularize their status or face arrest, the FEU warned.
Light fishing is strictly banned under Ghanaian law due to its destructive impact on marine ecosystems and fish stock sustainability. The use of electrical generators, bulbs, and other artificial lighting at sea disorients fish and contributes to overfishing, particularly of juvenile species.
The FEU reiterated its commitment to enforcing fisheries laws, warning all operators to ensure full compliance with licensing and gear regulations or risk seizure, fines, and possible prosecution.
The Tema operation is part of a nationwide monitoring strategy to curb IUU fishing and promote responsible fisheries management in Ghana’s territorial waters.
