Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council inducts 29 leaders from Volta Region

The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) has officially inaugurated 29 chief fishermen from the southern Volta Region into its council. During the ceremony held at the Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday, October 16, 2026, the council leadership called for a renewed and intensified fight against illegal fishing practices along the nation’s coastline. The primary objective of the induction is to strengthen local leadership to safeguard marine resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry, which supports thousands of livelihoods.

Nana Joojo Solomon, President of the GNCFC, urged the newly inducted chief fishermen and traditional authorities to work closely together to enforce fisheries regulations. He specifically targeted the elimination of light fishing, a destructive practice that continues to threaten fish stocks. Highlighting the success of the Jamestown community in ridding its waters of light fishing, Nana Solomon encouraged the leaders from the Volta Region to adopt similar strategies and serve as champions for legal fishing methods in their respective jurisdictions.

The event also saw contributions from key stakeholders in the maritime and fishing sectors. Ebow Mensah, Administrator of the National Premix Secretariat, emphasized the necessity of integrity and unity within fishing communities to ensure fair distribution of resources and collective growth. Additionally, Togbe Agbesi Awusu II, the Paramount Chief of Kedzi, stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of fishermen while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities that deplete the sea’s bounty.

The Regional Chairman of the Canoe Council for Southern Volta, Togbe Doe Nkekeshie, and Maritime Officer Dr. Collins Nana Andoh further reinforced the call for collective action. They pointed out that the fight is not only against illegal fishing but also against pollution and other activities that degrade the marine environment. By bringing these 29 leaders into the council, the GNCFC aims to create a unified front that can effectively monitor the coastline and ensure that Ghana's waters remain productive for future generations.