Patrol Boat Rammed Two Fishermen To Death In Tema

Two fishermen died on Thursday dawn after their canoe was reportedly rammed by a patrol speed boat at the anchorage of the Tema Port.

The identity of the patrol boat is yet to be identified but some people from the fishing community have alleged it belongs to the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA).

The GPHA in a press statement has denied that the boat in question belonged to the Authority.

The canoe with the inscription – Adesa Na Ohetsui – [Man, have patience] had onboard 12 fishermen.

They were said to have embarked on a Homowo ritual fishing sanctioned by the Tema Traditional Council.

However, others said the fishermen defied the closed fishing season, which is expected to end on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Graphic Online’s Benjamin Xornam Glover and Della Russel Ocloo report from Tema that, a patrol team from the GPHA reportedly drove them away from the anchorage.

The incident happened at about 1:30am.

The fishermen were said to be hauling their net within the anchorage when they were allegedly rammed by the patrol boat that was at the scene to drive them away from the anchorage.

The deceased have been identified as Francis Tetteh Larbi, aged 27 and Samuel Acquaye Allotey, aged 45.

They are both residents of Tema New Town.

Source: Graphic online