Four Fishermen fined for using light to fish

A Takoradi circuit court has fined four fishermen GH¢300 each or in default be imprisoned for six months for using light to fish.

The convicts, Kwadwo Wangal, 32, Kwabena Ebo, 35, Kwamina Essoun, 45, and Nana Ayensu, 34, were fishermen who operated at Sekondi and Elmina.

They pleaded guilty to the offence and were sentenced accordingly.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Fuseini Yakubu told the court presided over by Mr Kwesi Boakye that the convicts were arrested by the Western Naval Patrol team for using light for fishing using two canoes at different locations at sea at Apam.

Inspector Yakubu said the patrol team handed over the convicts to the police at about 6.30 p.m. on August 4, this year.

He said the convicts admitted the offence in their caution statements and were arraigned, since their action contravened the Fisheries Law, which prohibits fishermen from using light bulbs exceeding 500 Watts for fishing.

Source: GNA