News
Winneba-Penche fishers urges Government to abolish Close Fishing Season amid economic struggles
Local fishers in Winneba-Penche are calling on the government to reconsider the implementation of the close fishing season, citing severe economic hardships and the impact on their livelihoods.
During a recent interview at the Winneba fishing harbor, representatives from various fishing communities expressed their frustrations over the seasonal ban, which they argue exacerbates financial difficulties for families dependent on fishing as their primary source of income.
The close fishing season, aimed at allowing fish stocks to replenish, has been a contentious issue among local fishers who claim it disproportionately affects their economic stability.
“We understand the need for sustainable fishing practices, but the current policies are pushing us deeper into poverty,” said Nii Quaye, a veteran fisher and spokesperson for the local fishing community.
“We need to feed our families and support our children’s education. The close season has left many of us struggling,” he added.
Fishers reported that during the closed months, many have resorted to alternative jobs, often with limited success.
The reliance on fishing is deeply rooted in the culture and economy of Winneba, where fishing has been a way of life for generations.
The community is urging the government to explore alternative measures that balance sustainability with the economic realities faced by fishers. Suggestions include implementing more effective monitoring of fish stocks and promoting responsible fishing practices without imposing a complete ban.
He said, “We are not against conservation; we just want a fair chance to work and provide for our families,” added Nii Quaye. “We hope the government will listen to our concerns and work with us to find a solution that benefits everyone.”
As discussions continue, local leaders are preparing to present a formal petition to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, seeking dialogue on potential reforms to the current fishing regulations.
The situation remains tense as fishers await a response from authorities, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes both ecological health and economic viability for their communities.
By Abu Jochebed Borkai
News
Craze for x’mas shopping: Crowded markets, low patronage
Vendors of food and other wares associated with the Christmas celebration have expressed surprise at the low patronage despite the increased number of visitors to some of the major markets across the capital.
Four days to the celebration(Christmas), the markets are filled with various products ranging from food, clothing, livestock and many other stuff, but according to the vendors, patrons are doing more ‘window’ shopping.
The Spectator on visits to some of the markets in the capital, notably the Odawna, Makola, Accra Central Business District, New Town and others made similar observations as shoppers crowd them but did little in terms of purchases.
The paper also observed that majority of vendors, originally selling other wares have switched to product related to the festive season.
What it means is that there are a lot more clothes, food and vegetables, livestock and poultry, toys, firecrackers, drinks of different types and many others on display.
The markets have also stretched to the pedestrian pavement, leaving very narrow spaces for commuters to move about freely.
That, in addition to a few of the female vendors dressed in coloured attires to reflect the occasion, has heightened the euphoria, leaving the low sales as the only headache for the vendors.
Speaking with this paper, they sounded very optimistic, believing that sales would improve in the last few days to the yuletide.
According to them, there was the opportunity to sell beyond Christmas as the New Year celebration offers similar opportunity to trade the same wares.
They urged patrons to throng the markets to shop since prices were quite moderate and products affordable for all.
News
Retirement service for Elder John Ackom-Asante,3 others
Retired Deputy Editor of The Spectator, Elder John Ackom-Asante, was last Sunday honoured by the Church of Pentecost Windy Hills District in Kasoa in the Central Region, with a retirement thanksgiving service, after serving for 26 year as an Elder of the church.
He was honoured with a citation and certificate of service along with three other elders who served in the capacity for various years.
Elder Ackom-Asante was baptised at the Darkuman Central Assembly in 1979 and ordained as an Elder in 1997.
The citation read “Your selfless service, zeal, willingness to relate wholeheartedly and your desire to effect change has gone a long way to shape the lives of many people in the church and the nation over the 26 years of your dedication to the service of the Lord.”
Elder Ackom- Asante held many positions at the Darkuman Central Assembly, Obuasi in the Ashanti Region and Tema, serving in various capacities as youth and evangelism ministry leader and marriage counsellor.
He was the founding member of the Darkuman Christian Fellowship, a member of the Greater Accra Christian Fellowship; member of Bible Society of Ghana; founding member Obuasi Chapter Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International and founding member of New Times Corporation Christian Fellowship and Chaplain, Methodist University Tema Campus 2009- 2010.
As a professional journalist, Elder Ackom-Asante combined effectively and efficiently his duty as a member and elder of the church and the demands of his profession, with admiration from the church, kith and kin, till his retirement on December
From Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahaman, Kasoa
