The Director of Marine at the Fisheries Commission, Esi Bordah Quayson, has stated that fisherfolk without registered cards from the Commission will not be allowed to purchase premix fuel following the ban on new canoes for three years.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the Fisheries Commission (FC) announced a moratorium on new artisanal canoe entrants for the next three years.
The move is to help the government regulate the increasing canoe fleet to control fishing effort.
Per the ban, which takes effect from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026, there will be no new entrants for new artisanal canoes.
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Throwing more light on this, on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwah, Esi Bordah Quayson noted that the canoes in the system have been registered and embossed and owners issued with cards.
However, she said those that are not registered cannot be used to fish while those without the card will not be allowed to buy premix fuel.
For those who already have their canoes registered and have cards but want to change their faulty canoes, she said they would be allowed to do so but will be given procedures to follow.
Esi Bordah Quayson explained further that they would have to tender applications with their supervisors and then they will be given permission by the Forestry Commission to construct or carve their canoes.
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Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
