Tema, July 19, GNA - Mr Eddie Akitta, Minister of State In-charge of Fisheries on Friday announced that Ghana is considering placing a temporary ban on the importation of vessels of all types into the country. This is because for the last few years, "we have progressively increased the number of vessels, and trawlers." He, however, stated that the Ministry would keep in touch with all stakeholders to constantly review the situation as and when the need arises. The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Ghana Tuna Traders Association (GTTA), which has a nine-member executive with Madam Mary Atsu as the chairperson, Madam Love Vardon, her assistant and Mr Patrick Koto, secretary.

Mr Akita said the cost of inputs for companies fishing for tuna have increased quite tremendously and is aimed at addressing the difficulty that the economy is facing after which there would be a decline in cost in general. To ensure that the fishing industry becomes vibrant, he entreated fishing companies to be conversant with Act 625 of the Fisheries Law so that they operate within its ambit and warned that the Ministry would not hesitate to sanction anybody, companies or vessels that contravene the law.

In order that the nation was not cheated, the Minister urged members of the Association to expose companies that flout the law so that the efforts aimed at streamlining their operations would not be in vain. He advised the Association to collate and disseminate information to other operators in the industry, since record keeping was a very vital process of determining issues affecting the industry. Madam Anna Nyamekye, Minister of State In-charge of Livestock, who swore the executives into office called for a united front to forge ahead with a common goal to achieve successes. In a speech read for her, Madam Mary Atsu, chairpeson, said among others, that the Association aims at promoting, developing and protecting the tuna industry. Contrary to the Minister's plan to place a ban on the importation of vessels, she called for increasing their number to promote the catch of tuna.