According to Mavis Hawa Koomson, the minister for fisheries and aquaculture development, negotiations are well underway to ensure that Togo, Liberia, and Benin approve the adoption of closed seasons in respective fisheries sectors.

The only neighboring nation at the moment to use the closed season is Ghana.

Speaking at a forum at the ongoing Fish Festival in Accra on Thursday 24 November,Madam Koomson said the initiative will help sustain and rebuild depleted fish stocks across the region.

“Benin and Togo have already confirmed that what I said was true and so it is something we’ve had discussions with them. Liberia is also ready to join.

“But I promise you that next close season we will not even see a bird on the sea because other countries are observing close season,” Koomson said.

The sector minister warned that anyone who violates the law would be dealt with accordingly once the patrol boats start operating.

According to her, the ministry will increase vigilance to combat illegal activities which might threaten the sustainability of the sea.

“Anyone who has planned to be stubborn would be arrested when the patrol team starts operating,” Koomson said, calling on local chiefs and community leaders to help develop the aquatic sectors in Ghana.