Fishermen in James Town, a historic Ga fishing community in Accra, have reported a significant increase in their catch following the recent lifting of the ban on artisanal and inshore fleet fishing.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development lifted the ban last week, ending the annual close season for artisanal and inshore fleets.
The fishing close season, lasting one month, is a measure introduced by the ministry and the Fisheries Commission to replenish the country’s fish stocks, which have been dwindling according to data.
This period also allows fishers to mend their equipment and prepare for the fishing season.
In an interview with Citi FM, the James Town fishermen attributed their successful catch to favourable weather conditions.
They noted that this year’s catch is significantly better than in previous years, with the cold weather playing a key role.
“For the first time, Sunday and today [Monday], infact Sunday was the best, I can say it is because of the weather,” the chief fisherman at James Town told Citi FM.
