Fishermen across the Central Region are mounting pressure on the government and the Ministry of Fisheries to urgently reintroduce the closed fishing season, a policy they believe is crucial for boosting fish stocks and improving their livelihoods.

Over 90% of fisherfolks in the region have thrown their support behind the policy, insisting that the temporary ban on fishing during specific months has, in the past, contributed to bumper fish harvests and better income.

Speaking in an interview with Samuel Nana Tawiah, Kojo Mensah, a prominent fisherman and leader from Elmina, revealed that the group had already engaged with the Ministry of Fisheries, which he said expressed willingness to reintroduce the closed season.

“We have done our own research and seen that the closed season is not only beneficial to the sea but also to us.

It gives the fish time to reproduce, and when the season opens again, we catch more and earn more,” Mensah explained.

He disclosed that fishermen across the region are prepared to take to the streets if the government fails to act on its commitment.

“The Ministry has already given us the assurance that the closed season will be brought back.

We are now urging the government to honour that promise immediately.

This policy is good for us, good for the economy, and good for the country,” he added.

The call comes amid growing concerns over declining fish stocks due to overfishing, illegal practices, and environmental degradation.

The closed season policy, when implemented in previous years, was part of government efforts to allow fish species to spawn, thus replenishing the country’s marine resources.

The fishermen say they are ready to fully comply with the directive once it is officially announced and are optimistic that its enforcement will significantly improve their catch and income in the long term.