The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has expressed deep concern about the growing threat of plastic waste in Ghana’s sea waters, warning that it is contributing to consistently low fish yields across coastal communities.
Speaking at the National Chief Fisherman and Queen Fishmongers Conference in Accra, the Ga Mantse said, “Plastic waste is now competing with our fish stock. Our fishermen go to sea and harvest plastic bottles and polythene bags.”
He explained that sea pollution, climate change, and the widespread use of non-recyclable or single-use plastic products have aggravated the problem. “The plastic waste in contact with seawater produces corrosive compounds which contribute to ocean acidification and affect our marine microbes,” he said.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further highlighted that this process has eroded coral reefs, destroyed fish habitats, and disrupted spawning patterns. “This has prevented fish from spawning at the shore, and in the deep ocean; where the bed is swept clean by Chinese trawlers, our fishermen record very low yields,” he added.
Calling the situation a serious national concern, the Ga Mantse urged urgent and collective action to curb plastic pollution and safeguard the country’s food security.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
