The Aflao Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service has issued a plea to Volta fishers, urging them to refrain from crossing to Togo in canoes for fishing, as such actions could attract undesirable migrants into Ghana.

Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI), Justice Kudzo Normeshie, who oversees Immigration Professional Standards and Ethics at the Command, expressed concern over some fishers from the region's coastal districts crossing into neighboring Togo for fishing activities. He emphasized the importance of understanding the security implications associated with this practice.

ASI Normeshie made this call during a durbar attended by fisher associations and groups, representatives from civil society, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders in the fishing industry.

The occasion marked the end of the 2023 closed fishing season at Adina, Ketu South, organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the Fisheries Commission in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The purpose of this initiative was to lift the month-long ban on fishing for artisanal and inshore fleets, aimed at recovering the fast-depleting fish stock.

The Immigration officer explained that the practice of fishers crossing to Togo might encourage counterparts on the other side to use their canoes for illegal activities, such as smuggling undesirable migrants, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

He emphasized the emergence and risk of complex security issues, including violent extremism and cross-border crimes, which should be a shared concern among all stakeholders. Safeguarding the nation's peace and security requires collective responsibility.

Mr. Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, expressed concern about the lack of marine officers to secure the Volta Region's coastline from sea crimes and fishing violations.

He stressed the importance of their presence to deter and punish perpetrators of such infractions, including those who might evade the closed fishing season by fleeing to Togo.

The Municipal Chief Executive also appealed to MoFAD for support in assisting fishers severely affected by devastating tidal waves by providing Yamaha outboard motors to help them resume their livelihoods.

He also requested a constant supply of premix fuel for fishers to embark on fishing expeditions.