By P.K. Yankey
Kamgbunli (W/R), March 27, GNA- A group of Assembly Members along the coastal belt of the Ellembelle District in the Western Region, have appealed to Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to help stem the re-emergence of sargassum seaweeds along the Western coast, especially in the Ellembelle District.
The group suggested the reintroduction of Zoil and Eco-brigade initiatives to clear the sargassum seaweeds and ensure proper sanitation along the shores.
This was in a statement issued and jointly signed by Mr Shaibu Issaka, former Presiding Member of the Ellembelle District Assembly, and other Assembly Members to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE) Mr Joseph Armah Agyekum and copied to Ghana News Agency at Kamgbunli.
Sargassum seaweeds have been a major environmental issue in Ghana’s marine waters for some time now thereby wreaking havoc on fishing expeditions.
The statement said, ” the current spurt in seaweeds growth along our coast has devastated the livelihoods of our fishermen and fishmongers leading to increased youth unemployment and, regrettably, a rise in illegal activities”.
The statement said the seaweeds entangled fishing nets, reduced fish catch and made it difficult for the people to make ends meet, adding that the impact was felt across board, with many families struggling to access necessities.
The statement said, ” as a result of the sargassum seaweeds outbreak, the youth in the area have resorted to illegal activities, including small-scale mining (galamsey) and okada riding risk ventures, which are taking the lives of many young people in Nzema”.
The group, therefore, called on Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle to respond to the re-emergence of the sargassum seaweeds.
The statement called for the Provision of alternative livelihood support for affected fishermen and the implementation of community-led conservation initiatives as well as donation of foodstuffs to the affected communities.
According to the Assembly Members, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah ” could use his Ministry to make a significant difference in restoring the livelihoods of the people and promoting sustainable development in Nzemaland , a legacy you left behind as the then Minister of Energy and Petroleum”.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba