The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of drawing the fishing industry back by introducing politics into the pre-mix fuel arrangement for landing beaches.

The former President observed that while landing beach communities, under his administration, were non-partisan, the Akufo-Addo government has largely sidelined them for political reasons.

Mr Mahama, who was interacting with fishmongers in the Greater Accra Region at his Cantonment office in Accra, outlined some measures his second administration, should he win the 2020 elections, would put in place to help women, especially fishmongers, with their trade.

“From our interactions, it is obvious that the NPP government is not engaging the landing beach committees. The NPP has rather put their party members in charge of premix fuel and they are profiting from the sales.”

“We have heard all your concerns; issues with Chinese trawlers, light-fishing, closed season and the lack of cold stores. We will address all these issues when we come into power,” the flag bearer noted.

Mr Mahama also said he would fight light-fishing and the use of inappropriate fishing methods.

He assured the women that his government would look at their concerns, including the introduction of the closed fishing season introduced by the Akufo-Addo government, where fishing activities are halted for a period of time to ensure the replenishment of stock.

For their part, the women reaffirmed their “unflinching” support for the NDC and Mr Mahama, noting that the NDC has been a dependable pillar of support for women in the fishing industry.

The meeting with the fishmongers formed part of the ongoing consultation with identifiable stakeholders as the NDC prepares for next year’s election.