Mr Yaovi Akey, owner of a fishing canoe, operating at Abeliakorpe in Aflao, in the Volta Region, was fined GH¢1,200 by Tema District Court (TDC) for flouting this year’s closed season.
Akey, whose fish was confiscated, pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted on his own plea and sentenced accordingly.
The court, presided over by Benedicta Antwi, fined the accused 100 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢1,200.
Mr Seth Abelia, Assembly Member for Teshie-Avedzi, and two others were earlier on July 12, 2023 arrested by the Eastern Naval Command and the Fisheries Enforcement Unit for allegedly fishing during the closed season.
Mr Abelia told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he had been cleared of the allegations after he produced the culprit.
He advised all fishermen to comply with closed season directives to avoid falling foul of the law.
The offence, under section 84 of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), does not attract a term of imprisonment, but a non-custodial sentence of a minimum fine of 100 penalty units to a maximum fine of 500 penalty units.
— GNA
