Grand-Popo:Accra The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) has praised the collaborative efforts of Ghana, Togo, Benin, and the ECOWAS maritime framework in the successful rescue operation of seven Ghanaian fishermen who were stranded at sea. These fishermen were safely returned to Ghana on October 22 after facing an emergency situation during their voyage.
According to Ghana News Agency, the fishermen embarked on their journey from Sekondi but went missing when the outboard engine of their canoe, named Second Chance, unexpectedly ceased functioning. This mechanical failure, compounded by strong ocean winds, caused the canoe to drift approximately 120 nautical miles from Axim, entering into Togolese and Beninese territorial waters.
The incident was promptly reported to the national secretariat by GNAFF's Western Regional Steering Committee on October 9. The canoe's owner reported the fishermen missing on October 18 after receiving distress signals from the crew. The fishermen were eventually discovered alive by local artisanal fishermen in the waters near Grand-Popo, Benin.
A coordinated search and rescue effort, involving the Ghana Air Force, Ghana Navy, Togolese Navy, Beninese Navy, and the ECOWAS maritime framework, ensured the fishermen's safe return to Ghana. GNAFF extended its gratitude to the local fishermen in Benin, the canoe's owner, and the security and maritime agencies involved in the rescue mission.
The association emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures for artisanal fishermen, particularly those operating far from shore. GNAFF is committed to collaborating with state institutions, private organizations, and regional bodies to promote the use of mandatory safety equipment, GPS and tracking technology, regional patrols, cross-border intelligence-sharing, and emergency distress channels to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea.