Thirty-nine people have been arrested at sea by a fishing taskforce and handed over to the Nyanyano Divisional Police, for engaging in illegal fishing at dawn, last week.
Some of the suspects were arrested in Senya Breku in the Central Region while others were rounded up in the Greater Accra Region.
They are currently on bail to allow the police conduct further investigations, while their equipment made up of six generators, prohibited lights, eight canoes and four outboard motors have been impounded by the Nyanyano police.
Briefing the Ghanaian Times the Divisional Police Commander, Superintendant Joseph B. Pokoo-Aikins said, the first group of 31 suspects were handed over to the police on October 8, while the next group of eight were arrested on October 9, and handed over to the police.
According to him, the police are currently liaising with the Ministry of Fisheries to prosecute the suspects.
The Divisional Police Commander advised the fishermen to refrain from engaging in illegal fishing, since the law would deal with anyone who violates the fisheries act.
He said, the use of DDT and other dangerous chemicals in fishing were against the law and must be stopped.
Supt Pokoo-Aikins appealed to the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of suspects, adding their identity would be protected.
He asked the community to form neighbourhood-watch committees, in order to reduce incidence of crimes.
The Divisional Police Commander urged community members to submit names of volunteers for screening and training, to help police to reduce the crime wave.
“We are doing our best to educate the public in the area on safety guideline or measures for a better stay in the district,” he said.
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