Seventy-one Ghanaian fishermen who were recently attacked and held at sea have been safely rescued, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture confirmed Friday February 27, following a swift and coordinated operation by the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Navy.
In a statement, the Ministry praised the professionalism of security agencies and highlighted the key role played by Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, whose engagement with affected fishing communities and state institutions was instrumental in ensuring the safe return of the fishermen.
“The safe return of all seventy-one fishermen underscores the Government’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian fishermen and securing our territorial waters,” the Ministry said.
To prevent future incidents, the Ministry announced a series of enhanced safety measures. Fishing canoes will undergo improved registration and licensing, artisanal vessels will be equipped with GPS tracking and long-range communication systems, and insurance and pension schemes will be rolled out to safeguard fishermen’s livelihoods. Naval patrols will also be strengthened to boost surveillance and ensure rapid response to any threats.
Authorities urged fishing communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that fisheries remain a vital pillar of Ghana’s food security, employment, and coastal stability. These new measures are part of the recently enacted Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which reinforces enforcement, monitoring, and safety across the country’s fisheries sector.
