Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has voiced deep concern about the rising contamination of Ghana’s coastal waters, caused by illegal mining operations, commonly referred to as galamsey, as well as the careless disposal of plastic waste.
She described the situation as a serious danger to the ocean environment and the livelihoods of fishing communities, emphasizing the urgent need for collective measures to safeguard the nation’s water bodies.
The Vice President made these comments during an official visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, where she underscored the importance of protecting Ghana’s waters from harmful substances that threaten both aquatic life and public health.
“Galamsey waste finding its way into the sea should not be encouraged at all. Dumping toxic materials into the sea is very concerning because it affects the fish we depend on for food and directly impacts our health,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further condemned what she termed the growing disregard for the fishing profession, pointing out that nations such as Japan and South Korea highly esteem the sector by establishing dedicated fisheries secondary schools that foster training and knowledge exchange.
She reassured fisherfolk of government’s commitment to enhancing their working conditions and urged greater appreciation of their contribution to sustaining livelihoods and strengthening the national economy.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that we give fisherfolk the support they need and show them the respect they deserve,” she added.
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