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
Intake of ‘Gobe’ can prevent heart diseases —Nutritionists

Nutritionists have advised Ghanaians to eat more beans-based meals, including the popular local dish, gari and beans, also known as ‘Gobe’ to prevent heart diseases. They said incidences of obesity and cancer could be minimised with the regular intake of beans meals.
At a programme in Accra to mark the World Pulses ( Beans) Day on Monday, Mr Wise Chukudi Letsa, Nutritionist and Dietician, who spoke on the topic: ‘Beans: The Super Food for Healthy Living and Healthy Farmlands,’ admonished Ghanaians to include beans in their diets.
Mr Letsa said beans was rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, irons and other nutrients and contained just a little fat. Mr Letsa, a Nutritionist with Lets Consult, stated that the presence of those nutrients in beans explained why its intake could prevent heart diseases and other ailments, hence the need to consume it regularly.
The event, dubbed: ‘Meatless Monday’ was organised by the Communications Initiative for Change (CIC), a Ghanaian non-profit organisation.
The ‘Meatless Monday’ is an initiative aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to reduce their intake of meat by taking in more beans-based meals on every Monday of a week.
It was launched after the United Nations in 2019, set aside February 10 to celebrate and encourage the consumption of pulses (beans) worldwide. This year’s celebration was hinged on the theme: ‘Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems.’
Mr Peter Agbovi, National Secretary, Chefs Association of Ghana, said a variety of meals could be prepared with beans, which include Waakye (rice and beans), Kose (beans paste made into cakes), Ayikple, Aboboi, Tuo Zaafi, Akyeke, and kakro.
He encouraged Ghanaians to consume more of those foods to stay healthy.
Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Executive Director, CIC, indicated that even if people could not eat beans-based meals regularly, efforts should be made to consume them every Monday.
He said that was the essence of the introduction of the ‘Meatless Monday’ initiative. -GNA
News
Restore beauty of Kwame Nkrumah Circle area / State of Kwame Nkrumah Circle an eyesore!

Small size quarry stones fixed at open spaces under the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange was to leave the place open and free from activities of beggars and other activities of the homeless.
By the way the stones were fixed, it makes the area, particularly the VIP and Neoplan Station stretch of the Interchange, inhabitable by the destitute.
But a walk through the area currently suggest the opposite.
At the median where pavement blocks have been taken over by these homeless and destitute, the area has been turned into a hotel where a number of these unfortunate ones have comfortably laid their mattresses and other stuff to rest from the day’s activities.
They have crossed over to the SSNIT and Kaneshie Station area with their activities and have removed the quarry stones which were to ward them off the place to enable them find spaces to sleep comfortably.


The pavement blocks removed from different locations under the interchange now serves as foundations on which beds were laid and in some cases, mosquito nets erected.
Their continued presence is not only creating a nuisance for commuters but marring the beauty and serenity of the place.
Sadly, the activities of these deprived fellows have been ignored while the numbers keep increasing day by day.
The Spectator finds the development very worrying and calls on the responsible authorities to clear the area to restore the beauty and serenity of the area.
By Victor A. Buxton