National Youth Organizer of the opposition New Patriotic Party [NPP], Samuel Awuku has expressed worry in the front page publication of the Daily Graphic that fishermen in Lower Axim in the Western Region have resorted to the use of DDT, carbide, dynamite and light for fishing.
To him, in as much as the practice of using ‘evil’ ways for fishing is erroneous, he also blamed the practice on the hardship Ghanaians are experiencing in the NDC Mahama-led administration.
“All these malevolent practice is due to hardship, if there is hardship, the citizenry finds ways and means to earn living and that is what is going on now. Using dynamite for fishing is ridiculous, how?” he questioned.
According to the publication, there are fears that the practice of using DDT, carbide, dynamite and light for fishing maybe widespread along the west coast of the country if measures are not taken to stop the practice.
The Chief Fisherman at Lower Axim, Nana Kojo Eshun in an interview with the paper said that the fishermen usually use light to attract the fish, while DDT, carbide and dynamite are used to increase the catch.
Apart from the obvious health implications for fish consumers and processors, the practice is also deepening poverty among fishermen and fishmongers, largely women, as the quality and quantity of fish are adversely affected after smoking.
Speaking on the issue on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme, the newly elected youth organizer of the elephant party opined that, “the foods we eat now are preparing us [Ghanaians] to our early grave. “Most of the deaths now are avoidable. If common fish is not wholesome, then we have a problem as a nation”.