They are concerned that after all the intensive engagement with their fisher folks over the activities of FWV and the benefit that will inure to them as people in the fishing industry, people are still opposed to the formation of FWV and are taking steps to kill the group before it even began its work.

They have therefore condemned unreservedly the action of the fishers who disrupted the inauguration exercise at Ada and apologized to the Minister for the unfortunate incident and assured the general public that they will do everything in their power to make sure that they provide quality fish and not put lives into jeopardy by any self-seeking group of people.

The Council led by Nii Akpo Djamlodja VI at press briefing noted that that the introduction of the FWV is a laudable step that cannot be allowed to be killed by any selfish fisherman, adding it is also one of the most important recovery measures that can spur the country’s economic growth, food security and poverty reduction.

According to the Greater Accra Ghana Canoe Fishermen Council it is their struggle and engagement over the years with relevant authorities that led to the formation of some strategic policies and intervention to guide and ensure responsible and sustainable fisheries practices including;
I-    the deployment of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) to improve the detection of infraction by Ghanaian flagged vessels,
II-    enactment of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2014 (Act, 880) and the fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (L.I. 2217) to address the challenges and enforcement of regulations to fight, deter and prevent illegal fishing, as well as
III-    the establishment of Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) comprising personnel from the Marine Police, Ghana Navy and the MCS Division of the Fisheries Commission are positive to the industry.       

However, the work of FWV has become necessary to ensure a more regular and effective monitoring since it was not practicable for FEU to patrol the 550 km coastline of Ghana at the same time.

The Council has therefore appealed to all and sundry particularly the clergy, civil society organisations, and the media to help in the fight against illegal fishing activities that threatens the survival of the fishing industry and the possible threat to human lives. The public is urged to report any fisherman who sells fish with signs of being caught with any chemical or light.