By: Sarah Baafi
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has officially lifted the one-year suspension imposed on the fishing operating licences of four industrial vessels, marking the end of a sanction tied to illegal fishing activities.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Ministry announced that the affected vessels—WV Long Xiang 607, WV Long Xiang 608, WV Meng Xin 10, and WV Florence 2—are now permitted to resume operations following the expiration of their suspension period.
The sanctions, which took effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, were imposed after the vessels were found to have engaged in repeated illegal fishing practices. These actions were in breach of provisions under the Fisheries Act, 2002 and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010.
According to the Ministry, the enforcement action was intended to serve both as a deterrent and a corrective measure within Ghana’s fisheries sector. With the suspension period now concluded, authorities say the move underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline while allowing compliant operators to return to lawful activities.
However, the Ministry has cautioned operators of the vessels to strictly adhere to all provisions under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, as well as other relevant laws governing fishing operations in Ghana.
It further advised the vessel operators to take the necessary steps to renew their licences in line with established procedures, emphasizing that compliance remains critical to sustainable fisheries management.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulatory bodies to monitor fishing activities and ensure strict enforcement of the law. It warned that any future violations would attract the full rigours of legal sanctions.
