By Benard Worlali Awumee
Abutiakope-Keta, (V/R), Dec. 6, GNA-Mr. Yaovi Gaddah, the Chief Fisherman at Abutiakope Landing Beach in the Keta Municipality, has appealed to all fishermen in the area to abstain from fishing on Saturday December 7, Election Day.
He said this would enable fishermen and other community members to fully participate in their civic duties, contributing to the nation-building process.
“We urge all fishermen here in Abutiakope to refrain from fishing tomorrow. This will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to cast their votes,” Mr. Gaddah explained.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Gaddah, who is also an executive member of Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Volta chapter, pointed out that fishing activities could be time-consuming, which may prevent fishermen from voting.
“If a canoe goes out to fish early in the morning or at dawn, it may return too late to allow sufficient time to complete their fishing activities at the beach before 1700 hours. That’s why we believe it’s better to abstain from fishing on Election Day,” he said.
He emphasised that the request was not an official directive with any penalties, but rather a plea to encourage higher voter turnout.
Mr Gaddah also urged the public to vote wisely, selecting leaders who will support the growth of the fishing industry and refrain from engaging in any form of violence during the elections.
Abutiakope is a fishing community along the coast of Keta municipality, home to more than 100 canoes and nearly 4,000 fisherfolk, who are all young men.
GNA