The chiefs and people of Edina Traditional Area in the Central Region have celebrated their annual Bakatue festival at Elmina.

Speaking at the ceremony, the flag bearer of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, called on the Ministry of Fisheries to check the activities of trawlers, which seriously affected the country's fishing industry.

The activities of trawlers have come under serious criticism from canoe fishermen along the country's coastline.

According to the fishermen, the trawlers had been operating contrary to the rules and conditions under which they were registered. Their activities include pair trawling, the use of light and unapproved nets, fishing close to the shoreline, among others.

Their activities also destroy the nets of the canoe fishermen and affect their catch, such that their livelihood is under serious threat.

Dr. Nduom said since fishing was the main occupation of the people of the area, efforts must be made to control the activities of the trawlers to sustain the socio-economic well-being of the people.

He advised the fishermen to take advantage of the dredging of the Benya Lagoon by the government to improve their living standards.

Dr Nduom also advised the people to take measures to protect the lagoon for maximum benefit to be derived from the dredging.

The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who is contesting the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), asked the people to vote for him and the party in the December general election.

He also advised them to maintain peace before and after the elections.

The KEEA Municipal Chief Executive, Mr George Frank Asmah, advised the people to unite for the development of the area.

Source: Daily Graphic