The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has lifted the one-year suspension of fishing licences for four industrial vessels previously sanctioned for illegal fishing activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 2, the Ministry announced that the licences of WV Long Xiang 607, WV Long Xiang 608, WV Meng Xin 10 and WV Florence 2 have been reinstated following the expiration of their suspension period on March 31, 2026.
The vessels were barred from operating between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, after being found culpable of repeated breaches of Ghana’s fisheries laws, including provisions under the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625) and the Fisheries Regulations, 2010.
While confirming the reinstatement, the Ministry cautioned operators of the affected vessels to strictly comply with the provisions of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), warning that any future violations will attract severe penalties.
It further directed the operators to renew their licences in line with the legal requirements outlined under Sections 56 to 66 of Act 1146, which govern fishing and related activities in the country.
The Ministry stated that the initial suspension was intended to serve as both a punitive and corrective measure, expressing hope that it would deter future illegal practices within the sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, the Ministry said it will continue to collaborate with regulatory bodies to closely monitor fishing activities and enforce compliance across Ghana’s waters.
