The sea, an enigmatic world shrouded in mysteries as deep as its abyssal trenches, has long been a silent witness to the dance of life that unfolds beneath its shimmering surface. For millennia, it has cradled the dreams and hopes of seafarers and fishermen alike, offering sustenance and wonder in equal measure. Yet, the sea bears a heavy burden, one that stretches far beyond its boundless horizon.

In recent times, a somber shadow has crept over the oceans' vast expanse — a shadow cast not by the sun, but by the illegalities that threaten to engulf the very essence of this aquatic realm. The sea, once a sanctuary, is now a battleground where the forces of greed and exploitation clash with the guardians of its fragile ecosystems.

Kwaku Abam has been a fisherman for close to three decades. He lives in the fishing community of Elmina.  For him and countless others along Ghana's coast, fishing is not just a job; it's a way of life. However, a looming crisis threatens their very existence — illegal fishing and overfishing by Chinese-owned industrial trawlers, corruption, and a culture of impunity.

The Saiko Crisis: When the Last Fish is Caught

JoyNews' Richard Kwadwo Nyarko, has dedicated weeks to an undercover investigation on the ocean with a mission to uncover the harsh reality of Ghana's fisheries and the illegal practices that threaten the livelihoods of millions.

Saiko, the illegal transshipment at sea, has emerged as one of the most destructive forms of illegal fishing, driving Ghana's fisheries to the brink of collapse. Industrial vessels have relentlessly targeted fish reserved for small-scale canoe fishers, such as the beloved eban (sardinella), a staple for ordinary Ghanaians.

In 2017 alone, an estimated $50 million worth of fish was traded illegally through Saiko. This lucrative, yet illicit, trade jeopardizes not only the livelihoods of fishermen like Kwaku Abam but also the food security of the nation.

In his documentary titled 'Saiko: When the Last Fish is Caught,' Richard Kwadwo Nyarko takes you on a gripping journey. He speaks with fishermen, fishmongers, and scientists, and captures the heart-wrenching activities that unfold on the high seas during his riveting undercover investigation.

Systemic Corruption and Human Rights Abuses

JoyNews' investigations have sounded the alarm on systemic bribery and intimidation, resulting in egregious human rights abuses aboard fishing vessels in Ghana's waters. This culture of corruption has facilitated illegal fishing practices, with dire consequences for Ghana's coastal communities.

Ghana boasts over 200 fishing communities, with nearly 3 million people reliant on small-scale fisheries for their survival. However, these livelihoods hang in the balance due to rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by industrial trawlers. Shockingly, it is believed that over 90% of these trawlers are owned by Chinese beneficiaries, in violation of Ghanaian laws on foreign ownership.

The "Saiko" Fishing Scandal

One of the most shocking revelations is the practice of "saiko" fishing. Industrial trawlers illegally target small pelagic species, including those known as "the people's fish," and then sell them back to the very communities that rely on these fish for sustenance. This illicit trade was once concealed at sea, under the cover of darkness.

After the government took action to halt this illegal trade in September 2021, it seemed to disappear. However, investigations by JoyNews revealed a more brazen approach. Large volumes of small pelagic species and juvenile demersal fish were packed into cartons and openly sold at major industrial ports, destined for markets across the country.

A Tale of Abuse and Exploitation

This shocking report draws on interviews with Ghanaian crew members who witnessed abuses firsthand, as well as filmed evidence, a network of informants, and vessel tracking data analysis. The findings are deeply troubling. Insufficient food onboard vessels, restricted access to clean water, physical violence, illegal dumping of fish at sea, and the targeting of non-target species are just some of the horrifying realities faced by crew members.

The crisis in Ghana's fisheries is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. For Kwaku Abam and countless others, the sea has provided their livelihoods for generations. Now, their way of life is under threat, and the future of Ghana's coastal communities hangs in the balance.

The Call for Change

As the world watches, the question remains: Will Ghana's authorities and the international community take meaningful steps to curb illegal fishing, hold perpetrators accountable, and safeguard the future of these communities? The fate of Ghana's fisheries and the millions of lives they sustain depend on the answer.

This is the Saiko crisis, a story of resilience, survival, and the fight for the soul of Ghana's seas.

Below is the link to the first part of the documentary, titled, ‘Saiko, when the last fish is caught’. It highlights the disturbing situation that brings Ghana’s fisheries sector on its knees.