A youth organization in the Tema Metropolis of the Greater Accra Region, the Tema Youth Association, has urged local stakeholders to engage in discourse to determine what caused the recent canoe tragedy that claimed the lives of two fisherman.
The group has additionally urged the pertinent authorities to communicate with the fishing industry to address their concerns and cooperate on better water safety measures.
According to the organization, "we believe that effective communication and cooperation between the maritime authorities and the fishing community is crucial to build a safer and more secure environment for all stakeholders."
The call was made in a statement that General Secretary of the Association Marcus Larbie signed and released yesterday.
Early on last Thursday, two Tema-based fisherman perished at sea, igniting a debate between the fishing community and port authorities about what might have contributed to their demise.
A patrol boat from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) allegedly rammed into the two fishermen's canoe at the Tema Port anchorage, causing it to capsize. The fishermen, who are primarily from Tema Manhean (Newtown), claimed the two were among 12 people who were on a ritual Homowo fishing expedition.
However, the GPHA refuted that claim, claiming that no such incident occurred at sea.
The Association applauded the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Yohanne Amarh Ashitey, and the Tema Metropolitan Security Committee (MESEC) for forming a five-person committee to look into the incident's circumstances.
While the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tema East Constituency has tailored a written request before Parliament seeking national attention on this matter and invoking legislative sanctions to carry out further investigations and recommendations, the statement said, "We understand that the Mayor of Tema is investigating the incident to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the collision."
The association stated that while the public awaited the investigative committee's findings, it would encourage all pertinent authorities to conduct an extensive and transparent investigation to determine accountability and guarantee that steps were taken to prevent similar regrettable incidents from occurring again.
Twelve fishermen were on board the canoe, named Adesa Na Ohetsui, which means "Man be patient," as they set off on a Homowo traditional fishing expedition with the support of the Tema Traditional Council.
According to the statement, the Homowo festival has great cultural value for the people of Tema. It also serves as a time for celebration and community bonding as residents gather to honor their history and give thanks for a fruitful harvest season.
It was further stated that the two fisherman, who were among the 12 people in the canoe, had been given the responsibility of supplying fish for the celebration by the Chief Fishermen; these hardworking people were renowned for their dedication to maintaining and supporting our cultural norms.
The two community members' deaths, particularly in such tragic circumstances, was deemed to be an unfathomable loss that would be felt keenly by the entire neighborhood, the group claimed.
However, the group urged everyone in the neighborhood to band together in order to provide the necessary support and show solidarity with the families touched by this tragedy during these trying times.
