Carbon sequestration: A natural climate mitigator

Mangroves are among the most efficient natural carbon sinks on Earth, capable of storing up to five times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. In Ghana, mangrove ecosystems, such as those along the Anyanui Creek Corridor in the Volta Region, capture and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide in their biomass and carbon-rich soils. This process, known as blue carbon sequestration, helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, a critical factor in combating climate change. According to the Global Mangrove Alliance, preserving just 1% of global mangrove cover could sequester 200 million tons of carbon—a substantial contribution to Ghana’s climate mitigation targets under the Paris Agreement. By conserving and restoring these ecosystems, Ghana can enhance its role in global efforts to reduce atmospheric carbon levels, supporting both national and international climate goals.

Coastal protection: Shielding communities from climate impacts

Ghana’s coastline, stretching over 550 kilometers, is increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events driven by climate change. Mangroves serve as natural barriers, with their dense, interlocking root systems dissipating wave energy and stabilizing coastal soils. Initiatives like MANCOGA (Mangroves as Nature-based Solutions to Coastal Hazards) demonstrate how mangroves in Eastern Ghana reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution. By buffering storm surges and protecting against tidal waves, mangroves safeguard coastal communities, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. For instance, in the Keta Lagoon area, mangroves have been instrumental in reducing the impact of seasonal flooding, preserving livelihoods and enhancing community resilience to climate-induced disasters.

Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Supporting resilience

Mangrove forests in Ghana are biodiversity hotspots, hosting a variety of species, including fish, crabs, birds, and reptiles. These ecosystems serve as nurseries for commercially important fish species, supporting Ghana’s fishing industry, which is vital for coastal communities. According to Hen Mpoano, the intricate root systems of mangroves provide habitat and breeding grounds, ensuring food security and economic stability for populations reliant on marine resources. Additionally, mangroves filter water, protecting adjacent ecosystems like seagrasses and coral reefs from sediment runoff. By maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, mangroves enhance Ghana’s adaptive capacity to climate change.

Socio-Economic Benefits: Sustaining Livelihoods

Beyond their ecological roles, mangroves are integral to the livelihoods of Ghanaian coastal communities. In regions like the Volta and Western Regions, communities depend on mangroves for fishing, shellfish harvesting, timber, and firewood. The Kasa Initiative reports that sustainable management of these resources fosters economic resilience, particularly for women and youth who often engage in mangrove-related activities such as crab harvesting and beekeeping. However, unsustainable practices, such as deforestation for aquaculture or fuelwood, threaten these benefits. Balancing economic activities with conservation is essential. Projects like Kasa’s mangrove restoration in Anyanui Creek show how community-led efforts can both replenish degraded lands and offer alternative livelihoods such as eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries.

Threats to mangroves in Ghana

Despite their importance, Ghana’s mangroves face significant threats from both human and natural factors. Over the past few decades, approximately 40% of global mangrove cover has been lost. Coastal development—driven by the concentration of 90% of the country’s industries in coastal regions—has led to habitat destruction. Activities such as aquaculture, agriculture, and urbanization have cleared mangrove forests, especially in Greater Accra and the Western Region. Climate change further exacerbates these pressures through rising sea levels and storm intensity, damaging mangrove ecosystems. Natural factors, like shifting tidal patterns, compound these threats. Weak policy enforcement and limited inclusion of mangroves in national conservation plans underscore the need for stronger governance and community-led protection, as emphasized by Hen Mpoano.

Conservation and restoration efforts in Ghana

Ghana is making strides in mangrove conservation and restoration, driven by local and international initiatives. The Kasa Initiative has focused on replanting mangroves in the Volta Region to combat sea-level rise and destructive currents through community engagement. Likewise, the MANCOGA project employs a collaborative co-design approach to develop tools that mitigate coastal hazards. Educational campaigns by Hen Mpoano promote awareness and foster community stewardship. These actions align with global goals, including the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the Global Mangrove Alliance’s target of expanding mangrove habitat by 20% by 2030. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research and advocacy is shaping a sustainable pathway for mangrove management in Ghana.

Policy and Community Engagement: The Path Forward

To fully harness mangroves as a climate solution, Ghana must strengthen policies and deepen community engagement. National climate and biodiversity strategies should explicitly recognize mangroves as essential to adaptation and mitigation, backed by clear enforcement mechanisms. Partnerships with organizations like the Global Mangrove Alliance can help scale up restoration with technical and financial backing. At the grassroots level, programs by the Kasa Initiative are training communities to monitor mangrove health and adopt alternative livelihoods. Community-driven ownership is key to long-term conservation and ecosystem resilience.

Conclusion

Mangroves are a cornerstone of Ghana’s response to climate change, offering a powerful combination of carbon sequestration, coastal protection, biodiversity support, and socio-economic benefits. In the face of rising sea levels, extreme weather, and human-induced pressures, these ecosystems provide a resilient, nature-based solution. But this potential can only be realized through committed conservation, community involvement, and policy alignment. Initiatives by organizations such as iWatch Africa, Hen Mpoano, Kasa Initiative, and international partners highlight how collaboration can drive restoration and resilience. By protecting mangroves today, Ghana ensures a more secure and climate-resilient tomorrow.

Article by Malachi Dorwu

The post The importance of mangroves in addressing climate change in Ghana appeared first on iWatch Africa.

About this investigation

• Thirty-two percent of companies analyzed in Ghana’s fisheries sector were either owned or controlled by politically exposed persons (PEPs), with over 80 percent showing connections to Chinese ownership interests.
• Twenty-five (25) companies analyzed showed that no director and shareholder had filed their PEP status as required by law.
• The Registrar General of Companies in Ghana had not prosecuted a single case of PEPs’ non-disclosure of status or beneficial ownership, despite promises of legal action made years earlier.
• The Fisheries Commission of Ghana and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture lacked processes to enforce PEP regulations set by the Bank of Ghana and the country’s beneficial ownership regulations.
• Over 80 percent of companies licensed to operate fishing vessels in Ghana failed to declare beneficiary ownership, despite evidence of foreign ownership ties.

ACCRA, Ghana – Samuel Abayitey, a Ghanaian fishery observer, disappeared under mysterious circumstances while aboard the Korean-owned trawler vessel MARINE 707 in October 2023. His vanishing, just like the unresolved case of Emmanuel Essien years earlier, points to a troubling pattern of risk and vulnerability for observers in Ghana’s fisheries sector. Notably, these incidents are set against a backdrop of politically exposed persons (PEPs) and the intricate web of beneficial ownership that shields accountability.

This investigation delves deeper into the nexus of power and privilege within Ghana’s fisheries industry, revealing troubling connections between politically exposed persons, fishing trawler ownership and the pervasive lack of accountability.

At the heart of these revelations stands Kenneth Dzirasah, a former deputy speaker of Ghana’s parliament, former member of parliament for the South Tongu constituency in Ghana and prominent member of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress.

Dzirasah serves as a director and shareholder of Kenbonad Fisheries and has been identified as a PEP in the Thomson Reuters World-Check. Despite his influential status, official company records obtained showed that Dzirasah has failed to disclose his PEP status, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest, the integrity of Ghana’s regulatory framework and the effort to combat tax evasion and money laundering.

The failure to disclose PEP status raises “serious questions about money laundering, tax evasion, and influence peddling” within Ghana’s fisheries sector, underscoring the need for “greater oversight and scrutiny” says legal expert, and head of African Fisheries Transparency Network, Professor Kojo Nyarko.

In 2020, Ghana implemented stringent revisions to its anti-money laundering laws, placing heightened scrutiny on the activities of politically exposed persons. This legislative overhaul was accompanied by a directive from the central bank in 2022, designating PEPs as “high-risk” customers and requiring financial institutions to rigorously verify the source of their wealth. Additionally, the directive mandated the implementation of robust risk management systems to identify PEPs and obtain senior management approval before establishing any business relationship with them.

An assessment of company documents from 25 fishing companies authorized to operate in Ghana over the last five years unveiled a startling reality: not a single director or shareholder had disclosed their PEP status. Only four companies had ventured to declare beneficial ownership.

Shockingly, the evidence revealed that a staggering 32 percent of these companies were either owned or controlled by PEPs, with over 80 percent connected to Chinese ownership interests.

In 2020, a report by China Dialogue Ocean showed that the Meng Xin 15 fishing trawler, where Emmanuel Essien was last seen, registered under Kenbonad Fisheries, was owned by Chinese company, Dalian Mengxin Ocean Fisheries.

When iWatch Africa approached the former speaker and director of Kenbonad, Kenneth Dzirasah regarding the missing observer, the nondisclosure of his PEP status and the potential connections between his company and Chinese entities, the former speaker of parliament offered little clarity.

“It is in the pipeline [filing his PEP status],” he responded, while insisting that he “cannot assist” with any answers when pressed about his company’s relationship with Chinese interests, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.

Emmanuel Essien’s disappearance aboard the vessel registered to Kenbonad Fisheries marked not the first, but a distressing recurrence of trouble with regulatory authorities. In 2017, Ghana’s Fisheries Commission accused Kenbonad Fisheries of unauthorized fish transfers within Ghanaian waters and of operating trawlers with unqualified captains but failed to revoke their license.

The Fisheries Commission is an agency under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ghana and has an oversight role over fisheries management and development in the country.

Data obtained from the country’s ministry of fisheries during this investigation revealed a troubling pattern: Kenbonad Fisheries had previously failed to pay fishery infraction fines  imposed by the state.

Despite these allegations, Francis Ashiteye Armah, an official of the company, told iWatch Africa that, “the company had settled all outstanding fines” contradicting official records.

Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission did not immediately respond to the findings from this investigation.

Nyarko argued that, “If PEPs can operate with impunity, hiding behind complex corporate structures, then the systemic issues plaguing Ghana’s fisheries sector will only deepen.”

“Without rigorous oversight, meaningful legal consequences, and a renewed commitment to transparency, the shadowy nexus of power will continue to obscure the truth, leaving lives at risk and the sector’s sustainability in peril” he added.

Ghana’s fishery sector supports the livelihoods of millions of people but persistent IUU fishing practices including opaque corporate structures which protects beneficial owners has had severe impact on fish populations which resulted in an European Commission warning (yellow card) in 2021.

Further exploration and scrutiny of official company records unearthed a troubling pattern: seven additional companies accused of evading fishery fines by the fisheries ministry shared a common denominator—politically exposed persons among their shareholders and directors.

Bright Simmons, Vice President of policy think tank, Imani Africa, illuminated the pervasive issues within Ghana’s PEP landscape in a recent blog post, asserting, “Every Ghanaian knows many PEPs who have become wealthy overnight and freely utilize the financial system without any hard questions being asked of them by anyone.”

Expanding on the concerning trend, Simmons added, “The requirement that all transactions by PEPs should be reported to the Financial Intelligence Center is also widely known to be regularly flouted because the mechanisms for identifying ‘relatives and close associates’ are lax and poorly maintained.”

The companies, shadowy PEPs and Chinese ownership interests:

Among the companies investigated is Global Marine Consult, authorized to operate the Meng Xin 5 and 6 in Ghana’s waters. Investigations revealed that the company’s directors and shareholders are presently Awurama Ofori-Ani and Edwin Ofori-Ani, both acknowledged as beneficial owners. Compelling evidence suggests that Awurama Ofori-Ani is a PEP  who, as of February 2024, had failed to declare her status. Notably, she holds a senior finance role as a director of management information systems at Volta River Authority (VRA), a power utilities company in Ghana owned by the State.

A damning report by Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) in 2021 further implicated the fishing trawler Meng Xin 5, in unauthorized transhipment and illegal adaptation of fishing gear.

According to the report, while a fine of GHS 347,690 was imposed, a mere GHS 100,000 (approx. US$ 42,507) was paid by Global Marine Consult—a fraction of the minimum fine stipulated by the country’s law.

What is striking is that from 2007 to 2015, 199 fishing trawlers were arrested for various fishery offences in Ghana according to a USAID report. The report noted that “some fines were not paid in full and in some cases the minister of fisheries accepted less the amount imposed.”

In response to our investigation, Edwin Ofori-Ani, identifying himself as Awurama Ofori-Ani’s husband, acknowledged her failure in declaring her PEP status, stating that she is “in the process of filling the documents.”

He however emphasized her extensive tenure at VRA. She has worked “all her life with the VRA since graduation from the then University of Science and Technology where she had her national service and has continued to work till her recent appointment as a director of the company,” he argued.

He also contested any outstanding fines owed by Global Marine Consult to the Fisheries Commission. “In fact, as at today, Global Marine Consult Limited does not owe a pesewa of fine to the Fisheries Commission,” he stated providing payment receipts totalling over GHC1.9m or $140,000 in fines paid over the past two years as he sought to refute claims of financial delinquency.

Previous reporting by China Dialogue Ocean unveiled a tangled web of foreign ownership linking Global Marine Consult to the Dalian Mengxin Ocean Fisheries. Despite these revelations, Edwin adamantly denied any beneficiary ownership by Dalian Meng Xin Fisheries, asserting, “the relationship between Messrs Global Marine Consult Limited and Dalian MengXin is that the former acquired the trawlers from the latter and have a working arrangement to ensure that the cost of the trawler are paid for and the trawlers handed over to the Ghanaian company. Dalian has NO shares in Global Marine.”

Steve Trent, CEO of the environmental watchdog NGO, EJF, emphasized, “The Ghanaian law expressly forbids foreign ownership of industrial trawl vessels operating under the Ghanaian flag both in terms of ownership on paper, and, crucially, in terms of those who profit from the vessel – known as the ‘beneficial owners’,” during a previously related interview with iWatch Africa.

“The 2019 Companies Act (Act 992) clarifies the definition of a beneficial owner, showing clearly that the way Chinese fishing corporations are using Ghanaian front companies is illegal,” he added.

Other companies identified with significant ties to PEPs

Continuing our investigation, Business Empire Limited emerges as a focal point in our scrutiny of PEPs within Ghana’s fisheries realm. Currently overseeing fishing trawlers LU RONG YUAN YU 927 and 926, the company’s shareholder and director lineup features Rex Daniel Wussah and Helena Korkor Doku.

Wussah, member of the National Democratic Congress, coupled with his past role as a district chief executive (DCE) of Ada East in the Greater Accra Region, underscore his political influence. Despite this, official records indicate his failure to declare his politically exposed status as of March 2024.

In response to this investigation, the former DCE stated, “l wish to let you know that l don’t hold any political office and l work as a private business person,” while failing to address other concerns regarding Chinese ownership interests in his company.

However, his assertion is contradicted by the Registrar and BoG financial regulations which specifies that a PEP encompasses an individual who “is or has been entrusted with a prominent public function.”

The investigation also identified the following PEPs connected to the fisheries sector who have all failed to disclose their PEPs status as of the end of 2023 while holding several senior roles within Ghana’s public sector.

• Patrick-Appiah Opong, director and shareholder of Jetap Fishing Company holds a senior role as a marine engineer at the Ghana Maritime Authority. Ghana Maritime Authority is a public institution which oversees all maritime-related infrastructure including vessel operations and the enforcement of international maritime conventions and national laws.
• Cecelia Akuerter, director and shareholder of Ceilakus Investment Company is a member of the National Democratic Congress and had previously contested the position of deputy national organizer of the party.
• Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, CEO of Nasaa Company Limited holds a prominent public office as the Omanhemaa (traditional ruler) of the Denkyira Traditional Area and a board member of GCB Bank PLC, partly owned by the State. All shareholders and directors of this company had also failed to declare their PEP status despite their relationship with the CEO.
• Stephen Adjokatcher is one of the shareholders and directors of Santa Fisheries Ghana and Mystical Grace. Stephen is currently a board member of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, the regulatory body with oversight powers over his companies raising questions of conflicts of interest. Despite his influential role, Adjokatcher has not declared his PEP status.

None of the shareholders or directors mentioned above responded promptly to our requests for comment.

Policy analyst, Bright Simmons, underscores the need for comprehensive scrutiny, writing, “concerted and consistent work is required to effectively bring issues to light and address the risks posed to Ghana’s economic well-being by PEP financial misconduct.”

During a public forum in 2020, Ghana’s Registrar General, Jemima Oware, promised sanctions, in the form of fines and jail time for companies that fail to disclose beneficial ownership information, particularly PEPs.

Despite promises of sanctions by the Registrar General, our checks three years later show a glaring lack of enforcement. Not a single case has been filed against shareholders and directors who failed to declare PEP status or beneficial ownership.

Ghana’s registrar of companies did not immediately respond to our questions about her inaction and her reaction to the findings of this investigation.

“This lack of transparency is problematic for a number of reasons, particularly in disguising the true beneficiaries of profits flowing from illicit activities in Ghana’s trawl sector, preventing those individuals from being held to account,” EJF has warned.

For fisheries expert, Professor Kojo Nyarko, the imperative to safeguard fishery observers, combat the influence of PEPs, and uphold accountability within the fisheries sector is indisputable.

The regulators’ inaction is no longer tolerable in the face of this “glaring nexus of shadowy political ownership, foreign influence and impunity,” he said.

“Remember Ghana is still within our second yellow card and we are still struggling to enforce the laws and fight against IUU fishing. Comprehensive reforms and heightened accountability are imperative.”

“Anything less jeopardizes the entire sector, risking a devastating ban on fishery exports.”

This investigation is part of the Pulitzer Ocean Reporting Network Fellowship. Daniel Abugre Anyorigya contributed to this report.

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Afua Poma, whose trading operation was revealed in the investigative report, was found with three newly captured sea turtles in her possession at the time of her arrest, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.

The captured turtles were released back into the ocean after evidence was gathered. In a bid for leniency, Poma pleaded with the police, saying, “I am sorry about this action. Please forgive me.  I will not practice this illegal trade again.”

Poma’s arrest marks a significant step in the fight against illegal sea turtle poaching in Ghana, but her alleged partner, Kweku Essien, remains at large. The authorities are continuing their search for Essien, a key player in the illicit trade.

The police have formally charged Afua Poma with illegal possession and trade of protected species under Ghana’s Wildlife Resources Management Act 115, 2023, and she will be arraigned according to the head of the crime unit, ASP Francis Kumi.

Head of Nyanyano’s crime unit, ASP Francis Kumi, also issued a stern warning, reminding the public that the hunting, capture, and trade of sea turtles is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s Wildlife Resources Management Act 1115 (2023), which carries penalties of up to two years in prison or substantial fines for violators.

Gideon Sarpong, whose investigation ignited this crackdown, expressed satisfaction with the swift law enforcement action, stating, “As investigative journalists, our role goes beyond simply telling the story—we strive to spark change. The arrest of Afua Poma following our report is a powerful reminder that shedding light on injustice can lead to real-world action. It’s a victory not just for the sea turtles, but for the entire ocean ecosystem they sustain.”

Read more about the investigation here: The vanishing guardians of Ghana’s oceans: Exposing the sea turtle poaching crisis

Sea turtles are critical to the health of Ghana’s marine ecosystems.

The original investigation was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s Ocean Reporting Network.  Report by Gideon Sarpong.

The post Impact: Ghana police arrest sea turtle trader after iWatch Africa investigation appeared first on iWatch Africa.

Nyanyano, Ghana — In an open, unsanitary seaside shed in Nyanyano, a coastal town in Ghana’s Central Region, eight massive sea turtles lie helpless under the blazing sun, their shells baking in the heat. Flipped on their backs to prevent escape, these ancient guardians of the marine ecosystem struggle weakly in the filth, their long flippers, designed for graceful swimming, now flap weakly against the harsh conditions surrounding them. Overhead, the sun blazes on, unaware of the grim fate awaiting these Olive Ridleys.

Standing nearby, Kweku Essien, a sea turtle trader, is unapologetic about his illegal business. He openly buys sea turtles from poachers and local fishers, profiting from the dwindling populations of one of the ocean’s most majestic species. Scattered around the shed, journalists also discovered the shells of previously slaughtered turtles, underscoring the grim reality of Essien’s operation and the severity of the problem.

“I sell the large turtles for 500 [$40] cedis each,” he revealed to iWatch Africa’s undercover team. The team watches as Essien proudly gestures to the captured turtles and a nearby slaughterhouse.

“We will kill all of them and transport them to the market in Mankessim [a nearby town] if we do not get buyers by the beginning of the closed fishing season on Monday.”

“We also have customers who come with their own means of transportation to buy them alive. They need to be sold quickly—after a week, they will die. These ones [turtles] have already been here for four days,” he said casually, flipping one of the massive Olive Ridleys onto its belly to show the journalists it’s still alive. 

“We can also transport it to your choice of location,” he added.

Essien is far from alone in the turtle poaching business. His partner, known in the community as “Maame Turtle [Mother Turtle],” has been involved in the trade for several years, building a reputation in the illegal market.

The casual admission to journalists about their illegal trade highlights the grim reality: the illegal trade in sea turtles is thriving, despite international and local laws aimed at protecting them. In Ghana, where economic hardship drives fishers to seek quick profit, these majestic creatures have become victims in the relentless quest for survival.

The investigation also uncovered more captured sea turtles around Nyanyano, caught by fishers and awaiting the same grim fate. This paints a sobering picture of the ongoing poaching crisis, showing just how perilous the situation is for sea turtles in Ghana.

A struggling economy and a desperate Trade

In Ghana’s coastal waters, the primary nesting season for sea turtles—Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Green—runs from September through February. According to Dr. Andrews Agyekumhene, a marine scientist from the University of Ghana, Olive Ridleys are the most commonly observed species. 

Olive Ridley nesting sites in Ghana are considered as “major” due to the high nesting density according to a 2020 report by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group.

However, a 2021 research paper co-authored by Dr Agyekumhene revealed a shocking decline in nesting activity in some parts of Ghana—a 46% drop since the peak in 2013.

The IUCN red list, categorizes six of the seven marine turtle species as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered globally with Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles listed as “Vulnerable” on a global scale.

“For years, these turtles have returned to our shores, only to find fewer safe places to nest,” Dr. Agyekumhene told iWatch Africa. His research points to human activity as the main culprit.

“All seven species of sea turtles are globally threatened with extinction due to a range of anthropogenic sources of mortality,” he adds. 

But in Ghana, the illegal poaching and sale of sea turtles, like those in Essien’s shed, represent “one of the gravest threats” to their survival.

The sea turtles Essien sells are often captured by local fishers like Okyeame Kwesi Atta, who face a difficult choice between adhering to the law and providing for their families.

Kwesi admitted to the iWatch Africa team: “When we get enough money from fishing, we won’t be tempted to engage in illegal activities, but when times are hard, and a turtle is caught in the net, we sell it. I can get 300 cedis [$20] for one.” 

For Kwesi and others like him, the temptation is too great. Despite knowing the sea turtles’ importance to the ecosystem and the legends that surround them—some communities even worship turtles as gods—the economic pressures of daily life override reverence.

“We have been told not to poach sea turtles,” Kwesi admits. “But the sea turtles are always there. We can’t ignore them when we are struggling to catch fish to feed our families.”

The loss of sea turtles has far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s coastal waters. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, an international sea turtle research and conservation group, sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems by grazing on seagrass, which helps keep seagrass beds healthy and supports a wide range of marine life.

Dr. Agyekumhene has also spent years researching how sea turtles contribute to the health of the ocean emphasizes this point: “When you kill one turtle, it affects several other aspects of the ocean. Sea turtles feed on jellyfish, keeping their population in check, which in turn supports fish populations. They also feed on sponges, which helps maintain coral reefs. If turtles disappear, the entire marine ecosystem could collapse.”

Despite their critical role in the ecosystem, sea turtles continue to be targeted, not just for their meat but also for their shells, which are “illegally sold and transported to neighboring countries like Togo and Ivory Coast,” he disclosed.

“Poaching happens in all the communities in Ghana where turtles nest, even in protected areas,” says Dr. Agyekumhene underscoring the widespread nature of the threat.

“The fishers know it’s illegal, so they often sell the turtles secretly to fishmongers who smoke the meat and sell it in the market.”

Laws and enforcement: A struggle to protect the vulnerable

Ghana is a signatory to several international agreements that protect sea turtles, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

Ghana’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations Bill of 1971 (LI 685) classifies sea turtles as a Schedule 1 species, granting them full protection. This means it is illegal to capture, possess, or sell any part of a sea turtle, whether in the water or on nesting beaches, Dr. Agyekumhene explained.

However, the reality on the ground tells a different story as Essien’s open trading shows, enforcement of these laws is often lacking.

Vivian Addo, manager of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar site under Ghana’s Wildlife Division, is one of the officials tasked with protecting these endangered species. She acknowledges the difficulties in enforcing the law, especially in coastal communities like Nyanyano, where illegal poaching is rampant.

“We’ve arrested people for poaching sea turtles before,” she told journalist Gideon Sarpong. “But it’s difficult to sustain these efforts without adequate time and logistics. We’ve been aware of the poaching in Nyanyano for months, but we haven’t been able to act on it due to lack of resources.”

Despite clear evidence of illegal poaching provided to her team during this investigation, no arrests have been made. Vivian’s frustration is palpable. “These are first-schedule animals. We should be prosecuting offenders, but without support, it’s hard to make a lasting impact,” she argued.

The challenge of enforcement, coupled with the economic realities of fishing communities, creates a perfect storm for the continued decline of sea turtles in Ghana. While officials like Vivian strive to uphold the law, traders like Essien, and the fishers who supply him, continue to operate with little fear of repercussions.

The 2020 report by the IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group reinforces the lack of action by Ghanaian authorities, noting that “regulation is rarely enforced beyond coastal communities that contain a Wildlife Division field office.”

The gap between legislation and enforcement leaves sea turtles in a vulnerable position, caught between survival and extinction.

The future of Ghana’s sea turtles

As the sun sets on the beaches of Nyanyano, the future of Ghana’s sea turtles remains uncertain. Dr. Agyekumhene remains hopeful that continuous community-based interventions can eventually turn the tide in favor of conservation. But without significant intervention, the outlook is grim.

So far, community driven projects by groups like the Environmental Justice Foundation, Ghana Turtle Conservation Project, Meridian Port Services geared towards protecting sea turtles offer a glimmer of hope.

“The future of our oceans depends on these creatures,” Dr. Agyekumhene warns. “If we lose the sea turtles, we risk losing everything else. It’s not just about them—it’s about the entire ecosystem.”

For now, the battle continues, with dedicated conservationists, struggling fishers, and illegal traders locked in a complex and fragile dance.

The survival of Ghana’s sea turtles, and the health of its coastal waters, hang in the balance, caught between the pressures of economic survival and the desperate need for environmental protection.

—-

This investigation is part of the Pulitzer Ocean Reporting Network Fellowship. Reporting and writing by Gideon Sarpong.

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In this investigation, Gideon Sarpong delves into the intricacies of the European Commission’s (EC) fishery policies, focusing on the Commission’s actions, or lack thereof, in West Africa. This complex web encompasses critical issues such as flag of convenience, the targeting and export of over exploited small pelagic fish by EU registered vessels flying the flag of Cameroon and the persistent challenge of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing practices in West Africa.

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Off the coast of West Africa, from Guinea Bissau to Mauritania, the sighting of the Pilot Whale vessel is a commonplace occurrence. This fishing ship, stretching 96 meters in length, is nearly as extensive as a 100-meter track.

This colossal vessel diligently hauls in significant quantities of small pelagic fish, particularly sardinella, mackerel, and sardines – that form the lifeblood of artisanal fishers in the region.

What is striking is the flag it flies – the vibrant green, red, and yellow emblem of Cameroon.

However, beyond this flag, there is very little that connects the Pilot Whale to Cameroon. In fact, this vessel, also known as Mikhail Verbitskiy, is just one example of many vessels uncovered during this investigation owned and operated by European-based companies accused of participating in IUU related activities while cleverly exploiting the concept of a “flag of convenience.”

In 2020, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), an international organisation committed to monitoring economic and environmental abuses, designated Cameroon’s flag as a “flag of convenience.”

According to marine experts, this label is a tool used by unscrupulous operators to escape accountability for illegal fishing, human rights violations, and other crimes through the manipulation of vessel registrations.

EJF’s findings also revealed a disconcerting fact: more than half (55%) of the vessels in Cameroon’s fleet had been added in the last five years. Even more noteworthy, these new vessels constituted 90% of the fleet’s total tonnage, with 94% of these newcomers under foreign, non-Cameroonian ownership. Nearly all of them operated outside of Cameroon’s waters.

The “Red Card” and EC’s ‘Hypocritical’ Response

This concerning state of affairs led to the issuance of a “Red Card,” by the European Commission in January 2023. Central to this punitive action was the claim of “weak flag state control” which contributed to illegal fishing practices on an international scale.

In issuing the Red Card to Cameroon, the EC announced that, “Member States shall refuse the importation of fishery products from Cameroon even when accompanied by catch certificates,” effectively banning fish imports from the country. This measure took effect immediately following the Red Card’s issuance in January 2023.

In a surprising twist, the investigation uncovered a disquieting reality. Twelve vessels, owned, managed, or associated with companies tied to the European Union, continue to raise the flag of Cameroon.

What’s even more striking is, an analysis of trade data from the European Market Observatory for fisheries and aquaculture (EUMOFA) platform revealed that nearly €10 million worth of fish had entered the EU from Cameroon between January 2023 and September 2023, despite the ban imposed by the European Commission.

Astonishingly, the EC has yet to take any substantive actions against these companies and the continuous flow of fish from Cameroon into the EU market.

An official of the EU IUU Fishing Coalition stressed that these fishing vessels are able to take advantage of what the European Commission perceives as “Cameroon’s lax fisheries controls, while financial proceeds remain within the EU.”

Beatrice Gorez, the coordinator for the Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements, a consortium of organizations committed to shedding light on the impacts of EU-African fisheries agreements, poignantly asks, “Should the European Union not also seek to target these European based companies?”

Unmasking EU Companies and the Cameroonian Illusion

In a disturbing revelation, the Ocean Whale Fishing Company, founded in 2016, has emerged as a shadowy player in the African fishing industry. Operating a fleet of five fishing vessels across the continent, Ocean Whale’s practices have raised eyebrows, as it exploits regulatory gaps and threatens West Africa’s small pelagic fish stocks, a lifeline for local artisanal fishers.

The company which owns the Pilot Whale purports to be a legitimate entity, officially registered in Malta under the registration number C76874. However, the investigation reveals that the company’s operations transcend borders, exposing an unsettling discrepancy between its registration and the scope of its activities.

What adds a layer of intrigue to this unfolding story is the peculiar choice of flags for its five industrial-sized vessels: the Right Whale, Pilot Whale, Sei Whale, Grey Whale, and the Crystal Hope. Despite operating well outside the boundaries of Cameroon, these vessels proudly fly the Cameroonian flag, sparking questions about the motivation behind such a choice.

The heart of this controversy lies in Ocean Whale’s voracious pursuit of small pelagic fish, a resource in grave peril in West African waters according to scientists. Among these fish stocks, sardinella holds a special place, cherished for its role as a traditional food source for West African communities.

Not only is it affordable and critical to food security in places like Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, but it also provides essential animal protein, micronutrients, and fatty acids for millions across the region.

AIS data analysed exposed Ocean Whale’s predatory fishing practices within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Namibia. These vessels plunder the very heart of West Africa’s maritime resources, disregarding scientific concerns about sustainability.

In October 2023, the Joint Scientific Committee, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the EU-Mauritania fisheries agreement issued a report that amounted to an indictment of EU fishing fleets in the West African region.

The report noted that the EU fleet fishing for small pelagic in West Africa, particularly the East European vessels, continue to “disregard their obligations to embark scientific observers on board,” while they fish unsustainably.

The small pelagic fish, known for their migratory patterns, traverse the EEZs of several West African states, creating a complex web of overfishing and exploitation.

Food and Agricultural Organisation data spanning several years, paints a grim picture of sardinella overexploitation in the regions where Ocean Whale Company operates. This alarming trend puts the delicate marine ecosystem on the brink of collapse, jeopardizing both local livelihoods and regional food security.

Fisheries expert Beatrice Gorez, a prominent voice in this investigation, raises a pertinent concern: “This is really a black spot in the European policy, because at the moment there is very little in terms of legislative tools for the EU to act against these vessels where the beneficial owners are still European but are taking the flag of another country.”

She further emphasized the need for the EC to take “decisive measures against EU-based individuals and companies that own or manage vessels engaged in unsustainable fishing practices in foreign territories.”

Gorez’s plea is underscored by the fact that in Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and other West Africa states, there is a glaring “absence of proper regional management for small pelagic fish,” leaving the door open for “exploitative practices.” In her view, EU vessels, whether EU-flagged or under the Cameroon flag, should be prohibited from accessing these vulnerable waters.

As this investigation delves deeper, a disturbing pattern emerges, shedding light on the extent of the use of Cameroon’s flag as a “flag of convenience” by unscrupulous fishing operators.

In addition to Ocean Whale, data from the Global Fishing Watch (GFW) uncovered seven more fishing vessels that operate under the Cameroon flag while conducting their activities far beyond the nation’s territorial waters.

These vessels, identified as the Marshal Krylov, Marshal Vasilevskiy, Marshal Novikov, Vega (also Known As Skagen), Sveaborg, Helsingfors, and Frederickshamn (alternatively known as Fredrikshamn), have raised concerns about the exploitation of the Cameroonian flag for nefarious purposes.

The practice of using flags of convenience allows these operators to evade scrutiny and exploit regulatory gaps, creating a significant challenge for international efforts to monitor and regulate fishing activities said Beatrice Gorez.

The investigation unearthed a Latvian connection within this perplexing web of operations. The vessels Marshal Krylov, Marshal Vasilevskiy, and Marshal Novikov are currently owned by the Latvian company BALTREIDS (Oceanic Fisheries Nb). The origins of BALTREIDS trace back to the Soviet Union, further adding to the complexity of the situation.

It’s worth noting that BALTREIDS, like Ocean Whale, focuses on small pelagic fish in West African waters, particularly in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of countries like Mauritania. This overlaps with accusations of past IUU fishing-related activities in West Africa. Such allegations point to a disturbing trend of disregard for environmental and regulatory norms in these critical fishing grounds.

Satellite data from Equasis provides insight into the recent movements of the MARSHAL KRYLOV and MARSHAL VASILEVSKIY. Their last port call was recorded in Mauritania in October 2023, indicating their ongoing presence and activities in West African waters.

The remaining ships, Sveaborg, Helsingfors, and Fredrikshamn, are listed as being owned by Camelford, Mont Albert, and Langwarrin, respectively, all of which are companies based in Cyprus, according to GFW data. The last vessel, Vega, was previously owned by Bovina Limited, also a Cyprus-based entity, but is presently controlled by Pescado in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ocean Whale Company and other involved entities failed to respond to our requests for comment.

Dr. Aristide Takoukam, a dedicated conservationist and the founder of the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization (AMMCO), characterized the actions of these large fishing vessels operating in the EZZ of West Africa as having “detrimental and destructive economic ramifications.” He pointed out that the intrusion of some large foreign vessels into areas designated for local fishermen leads to “conflicts, as these vessels target the primary livelihood of artisanal fishermen, thereby jeopardizing food security.”

SFPAs & Export of overfished Small Pelagic to Europe

The EU currently operates several Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) or bilateral fishing agreement that allows EU vessels to fish in the EEZ of third countries. It currently holds 11 active agreements with countries across Africa including Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau which sets out fish access limits in exchange for financial contribution.

All European vessels, whether operating under SFPAs or private agreements, are subject to the stringent regulations outlined in the SMEFF (Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets) framework. This framework mandates sustainable fishing practices.

However, the situation takes a curious turn when it comes to Cameroon-flagged trawlers. These vessels can potentially exceed the EU-imposed limits without being required to offload their catches in Mauritania or Guinea-Bissau.

A report by IUU Watch reveals a concerning trend among vessel owners who opt for Flags of Convenience. Such choices appear to prioritize gaining access to a multitude of countries’ EEZs with little regard for sustainable fishing practices and accountability.

The report noted: “In the case of EU vessels, abusive reflagging may occur to circumvent the exclusivity clause set out in official EU access agreements with non-EU countries (SFPAs). According to this exclusivity clause, EU flagged fishing vessels are not permitted to operate in the waters of the non-EU country in which an SFPA is in force unless they hold a fishing authorisation which has been issued in accordance with that agreement.”

“This practice undermines the very essence of the SMEFF regulations, endangering marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities,” said an EU official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The investigation also exposed a disconcerting paradox in the EC’s import policies. Despite a ban on importing fishery products from Cameroon, close to €10 million worth of these products found their way into various EU countries by September 2023.

This unsettling data, drawn from the EUMOFA platform, drew scrutiny from the EC, which contested the figure. The Commission admitted that fishery products from Cameroon entered the union in 2023, albeit in very small quantities. However, when investigators requested for the data to substantiate their claim, an official from the EC failed to provide it.

The EC’s argument hinged on the claim that these imports fell outside the scope of their “catch certification scheme,” citing examples like “oysters and ornamental fish” which it argued was “mainly imported by France and Belgium.”

Further analysis of fishery export data from EUMOFA revealed another startling revelation. Fish worth over €150 million comprising overfished species like small pelagic had entered the EU from Mauritania and Guinea Bissau as at September 2023.

In response to this investigation, the EC’s spokesperson invoked Article 17 of the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) Regulation, which empowers EU Member States to implement verification procedures when importing fishery products.

The spokesperson argued that, “the Commission is “supporting the effective implementation of the catch certification scheme by the Member States through the development of IT CATCH, an IT system aiming at digitalising catch certification data and harmonising procedures.

An audit of the current EU CATCH controls showed that the “measures in place to combat illegal fishing are only partly effective,” with the reduced effectiveness attributed to the inconsistent application of inspections and penalties by Member States.

Government officials in both Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.

Voices of struggle amidst ecological decline, Path Forward

The far-reaching implications of this ecological crisis extend well beyond the ocean’s shores, permeating the lives of local communities.

During a meeting with EU parliamentarians in June 2023, Antónia Adama Djaló, Vice President of the African Confederation of Artisanal Fisheries Organisations, made a compelling argument. She emphasized, “All too often, our decision-makers and their partners fail to take action and neglect our needs.”

“On paper, our governments and the international community express support for us, however, their actions frequently prioritize the interests of sectors promising significant short-term financial gains, such as industrial fishing, mining, gas exploitation, and coastal tourism” she said.

“This threatens the future of our communities. The time for words is over.”

In the heart of these hardships are the individuals who directly depend on the sea for their livelihoods, and their voices speak volumes about the challenges they face.

Abdoulaye Kaba, a 35-year-old resident of Bissau, expressed his profound frustration, revealing, “The biggest challenge has been the last decade. We only get a handful of catch after toiling for several hours at sea.”

He emphasized that the once-lucrative profession of artisanal fishing had lost its economic appeal, a stark testament to the magnitude of the crisis.

For local fishmongers, predominantly women, the struggle is no less dire. Juliet Efemena, a fish processor in her 30s, articulated her anguish, saying, “It gets worse and worse every year. All our fish is stolen by the big vessels. We do not know what to do.”

Their poignant words paint a picture of despair as they grapple with the relentless encroachment of industrial fishing on their traditional way of life.

Guinea Bissau’s plight in the face of this declining fish stock is underscored by its disheartening performance in the 2021 IUU Fishing Index. The country found itself among the ten worst-performing nations, failing to uphold critical transparency and discrimination clauses within its SFPAs with the European Commission. This does not only reflect systemic deficiencies in the management of its fisheries but also poses a grave threat to the well-being of its citizens.

Fisheries expert Beatrice Gorez outlines a potential path forward through the implementation of the ministerial statement by the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States. This statement calls on countries involved to “collect information about beneficial owners of the vessels they flag in the country.”

By taking this step, nations can foster greater accountability and sustainability in the fishing industry, a move long overdue she argued.

However, her critique of the European Commission’s current transparency efforts is uncompromising. She characterizes them as “opaque and cosmetic,” stressing that the crucial initial step in countering Flags of Convenience is the creation of a “European register of beneficial owners for fishing companies that is publicly accessible.”

Juliet Efemena and fishmongers like her, whose lives are intricately linked to the sea, may not be well-versed in the complexities of the broader fisheries policies, but their message is crystal clear. In her words, “we simply need our fish to provide for our families.”

The urgency of their appeal serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate and decisive action to protect both their traditional way of life and the fragile marine ecosystem on which it depends.

Report by Gideon Sarpong, Pulitzer Ocean Reporting Fellow.

The post The Dark Seas of Deception:Unmasking EU fisheries in West Africa’s troubled waters appeared first on iWatch Africa.

This investigation also puts the spotlight on the plantation giant’s disconcerting role as a rubber supplier to European tire manufacturers, including French-based Michelin raising critical concerns about its existing associations with deforestation and human rights violations in West Africa.

Okumu, Nigeria – Okumu Oil Palm Company, a subsidiary under the umbrella of the Socfin Group, possesses an extensive 7,335-hectare rubber plantation and a sprawling 19,062-hectare palm plantation, all nestled within the Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State.

The company’s presence in the Okumu community has become a contentious issue, notably for the indigenous people, including children who have endured displacement due to the company’s activities.

In 2021, the Socfin Group reported a remarkable profit of 80.4 million euros, its highest figure since at least 2014 due to increasing prices for palm oil and rubber. Yet, paradoxically, the Okumu community and other host communities throughout West Africa remain a stark contrast to the image of prosperity associated with Socfin’s substantial export earnings.

Human Rights Abuses

In a deeply distressing account of events, residents of Okumu have leveled accusations against the company for forcibly dismantling three villages within the district, namely—Lemon, Agbeda, and Oweike.

This action resulted in the displacement of hundreds of indigenous inhabitants and the grim aftermath of community farmland destruction, loss of life, and the disruption of children’s education.

For many of these people, their roots run deep within these villages, with no kin beyond the boundaries of their home. The repercussions of the company’s actions continue to haunt the affected communities, even decades after the devastation was wrought.

Today, Lemon, once a thriving community, has been reduced to a mere memory, while the residents of Oweike and Agbeda have been compelled to relocate to nearby communities, seeking refuge and new beginnings.

Upon closer examination, our investigation unveiled a disconcerting narrative: following the eviction of these three communities, the company proceeded to expand its palm and rubber plantations, acquiring a staggering 1,969 hectares of oil palm and 1,811 hectares of rubber in the process.

According to the company’s own website, these expansions represent only a fraction of their broader growth trajectory, with an astounding total of 33,112 hectares now under their purview.

The story of Austin Lemon, a mere 15 years old at the time Socfin’s presence descended upon his community, serves as a heart-wrenching testament to the trauma endured by these communities. As he watched the Luxembourger company, accompanied by security personnel, lay waste to his ancestral home, he also witnessed the pleas of his parents and fellow Lemon village residents in Okomu.

They implored the company to allow them to remain, as they had no alternative haven. Regrettably, their appeals fell on deaf ears, as Socfin’s relentless pursuit of rubber and palm resources took precedence.

His father, the founder of Lemon Village in 1969 and the namesake of the community, followed the age-old Nigerian customary law, which dictates that the first person to settle on a virgin land gains rightful ownership.

Lemon, who is now 33, recalls the profound “shock” that gripped his father, the respected leader of Lemon village within the Okumu community, upon learning that Socfin had acquired their ancestral home. In a desperate bid to secure some semblance of justice for his fellow villagers in the face of impending displacement, Lemon’s father implored the company to provide compensation for their relocation but that did not happen.

He ruefully reflects, “The Company planted their plantation without heeding to their pleas.” The consequences were catastrophic – every single house in Lemon village met its demise, and the once-thriving areas reserved for the cultivation of plantain, cassava, cocoa, and cocoyam were reduced to ruins.

Lemon’s personal account of these events is a poignant reminder of the human cost inflicted by the company’s actions. He reveals, “For a whole year, I couldn’t attend school because we were displaced and struggling to make ends meet.”

“It was the company’s actions that ultimately led to the death of my father, who had high blood pressure. He perished because the farms he once relied upon to feed his 32 children were also obliterated,” he revealed.

In a surprising turn of events, the company denied the findings presented to them.

According to Socfin’s communications team, they acquired their plantation following the de-reservation of a portion of Okomu Forest Reserve by Nigeria’s federal government, in compliance with the Edo Forestry Commission Law (1968) and its subsequent amendments, among other relevant legislation.

Nevertheless, Ajele Sunday, a spokesperson for the Okumu community, contradicts the company’s account. He asserts that the community “never received any compensation” when Socfin claimed to have procured the land from the government.

Multiple sources within the Okomu village have raised concerns, contending that the company conducted negotiations with the government without seeking or taking into consideration the community’s perspective.

This apparent lack of consultation with the community “directly contradicts the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the concept of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC),” Ajele argued.

This breach raises critical concerns about the treatment of indigenous communities and their rights in the context of corporate activities, shedding light on the urgency of adhering to these vital principles.

According to FPIC, Indigenous Peoples possess the right to grant or withhold consent for projects that stand to impact them or their territories.

A Tragic Fight for Freedom in Okomu Village

In 2022, Socfin (Okumu Oil Palm Company) took a contentious step by excavating a large trench around its plantation, effectively barricading the community, leaving residents stranded with no access to the outside world. During the rainy season, the runoff from this trench, laden with fertilizers, contaminated the Okomu River, the sole source of drinking water, and proved fatal to fish in the water. Frustrated by this environmental degradation, the residents organized a peaceful protest at the company’s entrance, demanding the closure of the trench.

The protests had spanned two days, with the first day devoted to demonstrations within the community. On the second day, the residents decided to take their grievances to the company’s gate. En route, they were intercepted by security officers determined to quell the protest.

Among the protesters, Iyabo Batu, aged 56, found herself at the forefront. On May 3, 2022, while demonstrating against the company’s closure of the sole road leading to her village, Marhiaoba, she was struck by a bullet in the knee, believed to have been fired by a Socfin security personnel.

“It was very difficult for my grandchildren to go to school because the white man blocked the road,” Iyabo Batu explained, referring to the Socfin manager. She went on to describe how the road closure, a consequence of the trench excavated by the company, led to children in the village discontinuing their schooling. This was the sole route in and out of the community, now obstructed by the company’s actions.

The peaceful protest turned tragic when security personnel attached to the company targeted Iyabo Batu, shooting her in the knee. She was swiftly transported to a clinic before being transferred to the general hospital of Igbuobazua headquarters. Her hospitalization extended beyond a month following the surgery for her gunshot wound, but she expressed her deep sadness at the fact that the company had neither covered her medical expenses nor offered their sympathy.

The company denied any involvement in the incident, insisting that no employee had shot Mrs. Batu. However, community spokesperson Sunday, among others, claimed that the company was attempting to distance itself from the actions.

Iyabo Batu’s X-ray results unveiled multiple patella fractures, and she credited Environmental Rights Actions (ERA) for her survival. Rita Ukwa of ERA disclosed that they supported Batu, including arranging a city apartment for her for a year after her hospital discharge, as evidenced by her hospital discharge receipt, indicating a payment of 226,940 naira[$296] to the Benin Teaching Hospital.

The company, in responding to findings of this investigation, asserted that they were unable to comment on the allegations as no “formal complaint had been filed by the alleged complainant, either to the company or the Nigerian Police Force.” They also clarified that their security personnel “were not permitted to carry weapons, as per government regulations.”

However, multiple witnesses, both within and outside the company, contended that a company security officer was indeed responsible for the shooting of 59-year-old Iyabo Batu. A non-Okomu resident working for the company identified the officer in question as a government anti-terrorism officer. The source chose to remain anonymous out of fear, considering the potential repercussions from either the company or the police officers who delayed recording the community’s statement when Mrs. Batu was rushed to the police station.

Our investigations showed that the security apparatus for Okumu Oil Palm Company comprises police, private security, and military officers, even though they are compensated by the federal government. These officers are also subject to the directives of the company, raising questions about the dynamics of power and accountability in this complex relationship.

 A spokesperson for Edo State Chris Osa Nehikhare said, “the government will also monitor what is happening in Okomu to ensure no one is exploited and to make life better for the community,”

Plantation Socfinaf Ghana and Deforestation

Meanwhile in Ghana, the operations of Plantation Socfinaf Ghana (PSG), a subsidiary of the Socfin Group which operates rubber and oil palm plantations in Manso and Daboase in the Western Region has led to the destruction of vital rainforests.

In 2017 and 2018, PSG contracted Proforest and HS+E respectively to conduct environmental assessments at its Subri site in Daboase ahead of the construction of a palm processing mill in 2019.

Findings from this assessment showed that any large-scale operations at the Subri site would result in the “loss of biodiversity, land degradation, increase in ambient noise levels, aerial emissions and the destruction of unique endangered ecosystems and species within the catchment areas.”

Notably, the Proforest assessment emphasized the substantial environmental value of the PSG Subri site. It was found to host a substantial “carbon stock of 981,080.74 metric tons” and served as a crucial “habitat for a vulnerable population of species” in need of conservation measures. Despite these findings, PSG proceeded with the construction of the palm processing mill in in 2020 costing US$20 million.

PSG also admitted that between 2012 and 2016, over 1 089 ha of natural forests were cleared to make way for its plantations failing to heed to concerns by environmental groups.

Despite mounting concerns and inquiries into PSG’s actions, the company has remained conspicuously silent, failing to respond to our requests for information regarding their mitigation plans and the repercussions of their operations on the communities around Daboase and the environment at large.

Data from Global Forest Watch paints a distressing picture of the situation. Between 2001 and 2022, Ghana’s Western Region witnessed the loss of a staggering 536,000 hectares of tree cover. This represents a 23% decline in tree cover since the turn of the millennium, accompanied by a grim emission of 297 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. It’s worth noting that this region, the wettest in Ghana, plays host to PSG’s extensive plantations.

The ramifications of this ecological decline extend beyond the boundaries of forests and into the lives of the local communities. Farmers like Godwin Ofori, a 35-year-old resident of Daboase in close proximity to PSG’s plantation, have borne the brunt of these changes.

Mr. Ofori expressed his frustration with the evolving rainfall patterns, stating, “One of the biggest challenges over the last decade has been unpredictable rainfall patterns. We cannot predict the rainfall pattern nowadays, and I believe that this is partly a destruction of our forests.”

Recent study by researchers at University of Leeds has shown that African tropical forests remain critical to the fight against the climate emergency, absorbing three times more carbon each year than the UK emitted in 2019.

The direct link between the decline in critical rainforests and these erratic weather patterns underlines the adverse impact on the livelihoods and food security of those living in the vicinity.

Startling findings from Global Witness showcase the unsettling consequence of industrial rubber plantations across the expanse of West and Central Africa, witnessing the loss of nearly 52,000 hectares of ecologically rainforest since the turn of the century—equivalent to an expanse 16 times the size of Brussels.

EU, Deforestation and Rubber companies

In June 2023, the EU introduced regulations on deforested products to address the challenge of rubber and oil plantation-driven deforestation. The EU remains the biggest export destination for palm oil and rubber cultivation from West Africa. Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows that the EU imported over $500 million worth of natural rubber from West Africa in 2020 alone making natural rubber the EU’s most significant import from West Africa in terms of rainforest destruction.

The effect has been the loss of critical rainforests, with a damning impact on local communities, biodiversity, and the environment. This new law has the potential to put a check on Socfin’s operations across West Africa.

Colin Robertson, a Senior Forests Investigator at Global Witness lauded EU efforts describing it as a “very promising step towards reducing European consumers’ impact on the world’s forests.”

He however cautioned that “the inclusion of rubber should mean that European tire manufacturers will have to check that the rubber plantations they buy from are sticking firmly to zero deforestation pledges.”

Based on detailed export data examined, our investigation unearthed a direct link between Société des Matières Premières Tropicales PTE and the procurement of natural rubber from Okomu Oil Palm Company over the last two years.

Société des Matières Premières Tropicales PTE functions as the sole consolidated purchaser of natural rubber for tire manufacturing giant, the Michelin Group. This revelation gives rise to profound ethical concerns, casting a shadow on the European tire manufacturing industry’s dedication to fostering sustainability.

In response to our investigation, the Michelin Group acknowledged our findings and affirmed their awareness of “historical grievances expressed by local communities” against Okomu Oil Palm Company, insisting that they have closely monitored the situation since 2015.

“In collaboration with a civil society organization, we urged Socfin to enhance its sustainable development performance, which eventually led to Socfin’s adoption of “zero deforestation” and “non-exploitation” commitments,” Michelin wrote in their response.

However, our findings expose a crucial discrepancy: Socfin’s interpretation of “zero deforestation” does not align with the industry-recognized standard known as the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA). Neither Socfin nor its subsidiaries across West Africa are members of the HCSA. This incongruity highlights the urgent need for greater clarity and alignment within the industry.

Greenpeace has sounded a resounding alarm, cautioning that Socfin’s steadfast resistance to adopting the industry’s zero-deforestation standard poses a significant and looming threat to the forests of West Africa, where the company’s operations are concentrated.

The future of these critical ecosystems remains at a crossroads, demanding enhanced vigilance and rigorous commitment to sustainable practices.

——

Reporting by Gideon Sarpong, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi and Audrey Travère. Writing and Editing by Gideon Sarpong.

This report is supported by JournalismFund Europe.

The post Socfin exploitation of rubber & palm oil linked to deforestation & human rights abuses in Ghana & Nigeria appeared first on iWatch Africa.

DIBOMBARI, Cameroon — “We are going through hell,” the haunting words of Marie Noel resonate with a mix of despair and fortitude. Marie, an activist in her 50s hailing from the village of Souza near Dibombari Socapalm Plantation, paints a somber portrait of her community’s plight. Amidst the cruel grip of hardship, they’ve been driven to the brink, forced to scavenge “Socapalm fruits and nuts” in a desperate bid to quell their gnawing hunger.

In 2006, Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies (Socapalm), a subsidiary of plantation giant, Socfin, embarked on an ambitious endeavor – the cultivation of palm plantations within Dibombari’s lush rainforest expanse in Cameroon. Yet, beneath the veneer of progress lies a tapestry of troubling accusations. Allegations of forcible land displacement, pollution of vital water sources, the decimation of delicate ecosystems, and the sacrilegious intrusion into ancestral lands cast a dark shadow over the company’s operations.

A three-month investigation conducted by Gideon Sarpong and Robert Abunaw puts the spotlight on these unsettling truths. At the core of this narrative looms a protracted legal clash waged in French courts – Sherpa et al. vs Socfin. This ten-year legal drama, ostensibly conceived to quell the quagmire of land conflicts, ecological turmoil, and the cries of the aggrieved, paradoxically seems to amplify the existing travails of these marginalized communities. Thousands, bereft of their means of livelihood, have been forced into the murky realm of petty criminality within the very bowels of Socapalm’s sprawling plantations – a bitter struggle for survival in the face of adversity.

Marie Noel placed the blame squarely on the government of Cameroon and Socfin, accusing the state of leasing all their precious farmlands to the multinational plantation company, and its local subsidiaries.

In her words, this decision has left the neighboring villagers with “nothing, as all their lands have been locked up in a 60-year lease to Socapalm.”

Despite all the controversies, the Socapalm plantation site situated in Dibombari secured a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification in 2022. This certification is widely considered a mark of sustainable and environmentally conscious production, indicating that the site adheres to the lowest possible environmental impact standards.

However, a review of a July 2023 EarthWorm Foundation (EF) report, commissioned by none other than Socfin, casts a long shadow over the company concerning its Dibombari operations. The report confirmed accusations of severe improprieties, including the denial of livelihoods and land displacements, sexual harassment of local communities, water pollution resulting in a lack of access to clean drinking water, and the encroachment of sacred sites by the company’s sprawling plantations.

These findings, which are consistent with our own reporting, raise significant concerns about the RSPO certification granted to Socapalm’s Dibombari site. With documented instances of several cases of abuse, many are left wondering how the company managed to obtain its RSPO certification despite seemingly falling short of meeting crucial international regulations.

Mr. Emmanuel Elong, the president of SYNAPARCAM, a Cameroonian association defending the indigenous rights of local communities, expressed deep bewilderment over the continued granting of RSPO certifications to Socapalm.

“In the face of overwhelming evidence of misconduct and questionable practices, there are mounting questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the RSPO certification process,” he argued.

In response to this investigation, RSPO contented that “Socapalm Dibombari’s operating unit underwent an audit by the independent third-party certification body, BSI Services Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, who granted certification.”

RSPO further explained that it has “reviewed the EF report against the audit conducted by BSI and will advise BSI to review and verify the findings of the EF investigation. At their discretion, BSI will further investigate/verify those reports/issues/allegations via an additional audit or during its annual surveillance audit.”

The implications of these findings shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by the affected communities, raising urgent questions about the responsibility of both corporate entities and the government to protect the rights and well-being of their citizens.

Laura Bourgeois, Advocacy and Litigation officer for Sherpa, an international NGO dedicated to advocacy and litigation, notes: “The recurring problems we hear from community leaders on the frontline is that community members, stakeholders, are not included in the process and that the certification initiatives make the problems even worse.”

A Decade of Legal Strife and Its Unfolding Impact

Socfin in August 2023 released an action plan to address the findings of Earthworm’s report.

However, considering the company’s track record in Cameroon, skepticism arises among many regarding their commitment to follow through on these claims.

A representative for Socapalm declined to comment on this investigation, pointing to information available on Socfin’s official website.

In 2013, Sherpa initiated mediation with Bolloré, the majority owner of Socfin, to find resolutions to the persistent issues plaguing the plantations and their surroundings. This dialogue culminated in an action plan, where Bolloré pledged to leverage their influence to tackle these problems.

Yet, despite the agreed-upon plan, Bolloré failed to fulfill its commitments, prompting Sherpa and other organizations to initiate legal proceedings against the French multinational. A decade-long courtroom saga ensued, adding a further layer of complexity to the challenges endured by communities ensnared in Socapalm’s operational embrace.

“The non-implementation of the action plan agreed upon in 2013 confirms it is an absolute necessity, when possible, to have mandatory legislation in the field of business and human rights,” asserts Laura Bourgeois. She adds: “Otherwise, soft mechanisms mean that communities remain dependent upon the goodwill of companies. When mandatory legislation does not seem like an option, it seems appropriate to consider legal avenues to harden soft law.”

This legal battle in the French courts to compel the execution of the action plan, and to ensure the delivery of promised remedies, has aggravated the already dire challenges faced by some communities within the operational sphere of Socapalm.

In Kilombo, a village that is situated at the heart of Socapalm Kienke plantation in Cameroon, Yengue Jean’s frustration with the company is palpable. She characterized the company as “irresponsible” and went on to reveal that a borehole, ostensibly installed to benefit the village, was “primarily utilized to irrigate the adjacent Socapalm nursery.”

Jean lamented, “The residents are now compelled to depend on a nearby stream tainted with pollutants,” while sorrowfully noting, “Our once thriving forests have vanished, leaving us without the vital resources to sustain our traditional hunting practices.”

Deforestation and the new European Union (EU) Law

Startling findings from Global Witness showcase the unsettling consequence of industrial palm and rubber plantations across the expanse of West and Central Africa, witnessing the loss of nearly 52,000 hectares of ecologically rainforest since the turn of the century—equivalent to an expanse 16 times the size of Brussels.

A 2021 study led by Cameroonian researcher Professor Tchindjang Mesmin also revealed that palm oil cultivation in the dense forest regions of Cameroon has emerged as the principal catalyst behind deforestation since the year 1990.

In a sharp critique, Mr. Elong blamed the government of Cameroon for its perceived failure to tackle crucial issues, alleging that the administration displays “worrisome indications of corruption,”, especially in the enforcement of retrocession agreements between Socfin and the State.

Cameroon’s Minister of Environment and Protection of Nature, Pierre Hélé did not respond to our requests for comment.

In June 2023, the EU introduced regulations on deforested products to address the challenge of rubber and oil plantation-driven deforestation,

The EU remains the biggest export destination for palm oil and rubber cultivation from West Africa. Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows that the EU imported over $500 million worth of natural rubber from West Africa in 2020 making natural rubber the EU’s most significant import from West Africa in terms of rainforest destruction.

The effect has been the loss of critical rainforests, with a damning impact on local communities, biodiversity, and the environment.

Dr. Addo Koranteng, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Research Innovation and Development in Ghana lauded the EU’s legislative action against deforestation.

Nonetheless, his commendation is accompanied by a stark warning: “The expansion of rubber plantations must be halted as these rubber-producing trees compete with other forest trees for the already depleted forest land.”

Dr. Koranteng’s concerns are underscored by an inconvenient truth: “As world market prices surge and global demand exacerbate, the extent of deforestation from these commodities will keep on increasing,” he explained.

Recent research compounds the urgency of the situation. Estimates project a need for an astounding 4.3 to 8.5 million hectares of new plantations to meet the mounting demand for natural rubber by the year 2024. Experts are ringing alarm bells, cautioning that this trajectory, if left unchecked, will unleash a cataclysmic toll on precious forests around the world.

So far, our investigation has revealed a notable absence: Neither Socfin nor its Cameroon-based subsidiaries currently have made any commitment to the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA), the de-facto standard for zero deforestation in the sector.

Greenpeace has sounded a dire warning, asserting that Socfin’s steadfast refusal to adopt a zero-deforestation policy poses an ominous and substantial threat to the forests of Cameroon, within which the company operates.

Socfin did not respond to email inquiries seeking comment.

Way Forward

A decade-long saga of legal battles in French courts has so far yielded little solace for the numerous villagers residing in proximity to Socapalm plantations.

For these villagers whose ancestral lands have been lost to the expansive reach of Socapalm’s plantations, the passage of time has failed to bring about the restitution they so desperately seek.

“The plight we face is beyond words – a dire and miserable reality,” said villagers from Bikondo and Lendi.

There is however a glimmer of hope as legal practitioner, Agboranyor Jeniffer, with a wealth of expertise in Cameroon’s Common Law and Administrative Court, believes there might be a viable solution on the horizon.

Peering into the intricacies of Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2022/5074PM, she points out a potential avenue: the possibility of initiating legal action against the Government of Cameroon. She cites Section 2(3) of Law No. 2006/022, enacted on December 29, 2006, which lays down the framework for the organization and operation of administrative courts in Cameroon.

“Under this legal framework, the court’s jurisdiction extends to pivotal matters including, but not limited to; claims for compensation due to losses caused by administrative actions and disputes centered around state-owned land,” she explained.

Jeniffer’s analysis offers a flicker of optimism for those who have long grappled with the repercussions of Socapalm’s operations.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, these insights may hold the potential to redress grievances, foster justice, and pave the way for meaningful change in the lives of the affected communities.

Reporting by Gideon Sarpong and Robert Abunaw. Writing and editing by Gideon Sarpong.

The post Whispers of Injustice: Socfin’s decade of legal battle echoing in communities across Cameroon appeared first on iWatch Africa.

From the outset, the minister faced fierce criticism from industry stakeholders, who dismissed her as ill-suited for the job. Her mettle was tested when just a few months into her tenure in 2021, the European Commission (EC) issued a ‘yellow card’ warning to Ghana.

The warning was an indictment of Ghana’s fishing practices, citing rampant illegal targeting of juvenile pelagic species and glaring deficiencies in the monitoring and control of the fishing fleet. The EC expressed concerns that fish caught through IUU fishing might find their way onto the European market.

The minister in her address conceded that Ghana’s small pelagic fish stock and marine resources were in a state of severe “overexploitation” as a result of IUU fishing practices.

Artisanal fishers however continue to complain that the “minister is only paying lip service” to the problem and has not demonstrated enough commitment to addressing the challenges.

The small pelagic fish comprising anchovies, mackerel, and sardines is popularly referred to as the ‘people’s fish’ in Ghana because of its importance to the local economy; directly employing over a million artisanal fishers and women in the value chain combined.

This fish stock which is the reserve of artisanal fishers has significantly reduced over the years. In 2020, the Sustainable Fisheries Management research revealed that despite increasing fishing efforts by the artisanal fishing fleet in Ghana’s waters, small pelagic fish catch has fallen by over 85 percent, from the peak in reported landings of 138,955 metric tonnes recorded in 1996.

Scientists have warned that Ghana’s small pelagic stock teeters on the edge of collapse with a significant impact on 2.7 million people who rely on the marine fisheries for survival.

Despite these alarming conditions of the small pelagic stock in Ghana, an investigation by iWatch Africa’s Gideon Sarpong found that over €40 million worth of the fish stock were exported to the European Union (EU) market in 2020 and 2021, with no export restrictions in place to protect the overfished species.

Additionally, the investigation revealed that the European Commission, which had issued a warning to Ghana, failed to implement restrictions on industrial vessels and companies engaged in IUU fishing activities, even though the EU fishery law permitted such action. These findings raise significant questions about the level of commitment by both Ghana and the EU toward protecting the sustainability of the small pelagic fish in Ghana.

Ghana’s minister of fisheries Hawa Koomson failed to respond to the findings of this investigation and our requests for comment.

Exporting fish from Ghana to the EU – Broken system?

In Ghana, the Fisheries Ministry is responsible for issuing catch certification licenses for fish export to the EU market, said Misornu Yaw Logo, a fisheries expert, with the fisheries ministry in Ghana.

The certification process is part of the Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS), which is an important system that monitors and verifies the origin of harvested fish and guarantees that they are caught in a sustainable manner in line with local and international regulations, he explained.

However, data provided by Ghana’s ministry indicated that the country exported almost $200 million worth of fish in 2020 and 2021, with 90% going to the EU market, while EU fisheries data recorded over €250 million ($269 million) in fish imports from Ghana during the same period, raising concerns about data inconsistencies.

Ghana’s fisheries ministry could not provide the data requested on small pelagic fish exported to the EU as part of this investigation, but the EU recorded over €40 million in import of small pelagic fish from Ghana.

Mr. Logo revealed that Ghana’s certification system has significant flaws, arguing that the catch documentation system “does not comprehensively prevent the export of endangered species.” According to his research conducted in 2022, there exists a discrepancy in the CDS procedure between Tuna vessels and trawler vessels in Ghana.

Mr. Logo’s research uncovered that tuna vessels undergo stringent checks as part of the CDS procedure in Ghana. Upon landing, the tuna vessel’s certificates are sent to two units at the ministry: the “Monitoring and Control Surveillance Unit and Fisheries Scientific Survey Division for further examination, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with both national and international regulations,” he noted.

In contrast, trawler operators bypass these additional checks and proceed “directly to the Catch Certification Unit of the ministry (a unit under Ghana’s fisheries ministry)” to prepare their consignment for export.

Dr. Edwin Kelly Ofori-Ani, the board secretary of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA), echoed Mr. Logo’s concerns emphasizing the “absence of a mechanism within the fisheries commission to determine real-time value of fish exported out of the country.”

He regarded the figures provided by the ministry as highly “deceptive” and called for greater transparency.

“The volumes are not accurate, and the values are under-declared,” he said.

As part of industrial trawlers’ self-regulatory efforts, Dr. Ofori-Ani proposed that the association itself “validates the catch return” before it is submitted to the fisheries commission for export.

EU failure to sanction companies engaged in IUU.

Over the years, several industrial trawlers not authorized to target small pelagic fish in Ghana have been arrested for deliberately targeting this fish stock in significant quantities causing severe overfishing and depletion of fish stock reserved for artisanal fishers.

One such vessel, the Lu Rong Yuan Yu 956, beneficiary owned by Chinese company Rongcheng Ocean Fishery, was re-arrested in Ghanaian waters in 2020 for illegally targeting small pelagic fish using under-size nets.

The actions of these trawlers have sparked concern and outrage among experts and researchers.

Dr. Isaac Okyere, a respected researcher at the University of Cape Coast, describes the dire situation, stating, “The small pelagic fish they catch is no longer treated as by-catch. Instead, it has become the primary target, while demersal fish has been relegated to by-catch status.”

This inversion of the fishing hierarchy has had devastating consequences for the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of artisanal fishers.

Documents obtained as part of this investigation revealed that two fishing vessels: the Lu Rong Yuan Yu 928 and Lu Rong Yuan Yu 907 beneficially owned by Rongcheng Ocean Fishery had been involved in fishing violations in the first quarter of 2023 and had been fined 90,000 cedis ($8100) by the regulators in Ghana.

Investigators also discovered that as of 2022, Rongcheng Ocean Fishery had authorization from the EU to export fish products to their markets.

In 2020, a report by Environmental Justice Foundation, an NGO that monitors economic and environmental abuses revealed multiple cases in which trawl vessels authorised to export to the EU were involved in illegal activities in Ghana.

Despite these illegalities and the extensive legal powers granted to the European Commission to combat IUU fishing by sanctioning third-country vessels, an official from the European Commission responded to the investigation, emphasizing the preference for “dialogue with countries, particularly the Republic of Ghana,” rather than taking direct action against specific companies.

This response has left many questioning the efficacy of the EU’s approach to combating IUU fishing.

As the biggest “market for seafood caught by the Ghana-flagged trawl fleet, EU consumers are inadvertently supporting illegal practices and severe overfishing in Ghana’s waters,” the report by the Environmental Justice Foundation concluded. 

The EU official went on to emphasize the importance of the catch certification scheme as a crucial tool in the fight against IUU fishing.

However, in light of numerous criticisms directed towards the EU catch scheme, Steve Trent, CEO of the Environmental Justice Foundation is advocating for “a risk-based approach to seafood inspections to keep out imports linked to illegal fishing, human rights abuses or the destruction of ocean ecosystems.”

Trent went on to suggest that “Imports to the EU from the Chinese-owned trawl fleet operating in Ghana should certainly be regarded as high risk, closely scrutinized and, if any evidence of illegal fishing is found, refused entry.”

Impact on Fishers, & ineffective penalties & regulatory oversight

Francis Adam, President of the Central Region Fishermen, expressed deep concern over the continued neglect of calls for reform in Ghana’s fisheries sector, despite the “yellow card” warning issued by the European Union (EU).

Adam highlighted the alarming decline in catches by artisanal fishers in the country, making the last decade particularly most challenging.

Reflecting on his three decades in the fishing business, Adam expressed his frustration about the dramatic reduction in catches, emphasizing the “absurdity” of the “absence of export restrictions for their fish.”

“Everybody is allowed to target our fish, without serious consequences. This is ridiculous,” he said.

Currently, more than 200 coastal villages in Ghana rely on fishing as their primary source of income exacerbating the gravity of the situation. According to the World Bank, the average annual income per artisanal canoe has plummeted by up to 40% in the past decade, plunging thousands of fishers and their dependents into abject poverty.

Adding to the complexity of the issue, many companies in Ghana possessing export licenses can freely export small pelagic fish to the EU without any restrictions. This has raised concerns about the sustainability of Ghana’s fish stocks and the exploitation of the endangered species.

Mr. Frank Aihoon is the managing director of Panofi Company and President of the Ghana Tuna Association. His company currently holds an export license to the EU. He acknowledged that his company exports small pelagic and Tuna but maintained that he adheres to the regulations.

“I know the small pelagic fish stock is an endangered species,” he said, adding, “There are people who are using the wrong fishing net, which is affecting the fish stock, especially the trawlers.”

Disturbingly, documents obtained during this investigation also showed that eight industrial trawlers were fined a combined 492,000 cedis in the first quarter of 2023 for various fishery infractions, a figure significantly lower than what is required by law. Meanwhile, information on whether these fines were paid remains undisclosed.

A review of the licensed vessel list for the second quarter of 2023 showed that vessel owners: Wannimas Complex, Obourwe & Co. Ltd and Nduman Fishing had been re-licensed to operate in Ghana’s waters, raising questions about the effectiveness of the ministry’s penalties and regulatory oversight.

Mr. Aihoon underscored the urgent need for enforcement of existing laws, warning that failure to do so would have far-reaching consequences for the entire fishing sector, not just the trawlers.

“The regulators need to enforce the laws because when the EU bans Ghana it will affect everyone in the fishing sector, not only the trawlers,” he argued.

For fisherman Francis Adam and his association members, the fishing trade that was once the backbone of thriving and a vibrant local economy is now a pale shadow of itself.

“We can’t survive for long with all these challenges, we simply can’t, something must be done, perhaps the EU, but the minister and her team must do more” he said.

The report is by Gideon Sarpong. Daniel Abugre Anyorigya contributed to the report.

This report is supported by JournalismFund Europe.

The post The endangered ‘People’s Fish’ flood the EU market deepening the plight of Ghanaian fishers appeared first on iWatch Africa.

Takoradi, March 27 – It was 10:00 hours on a Saturday morning and artisanal fishers in a coastal town of Abandze, on the West coast of Ghana are seated patiently under their sheds waiting for the rains with strong wind to recede so they could embark on their fishing expedition. Fish processors and traders also sit on their aluminum basins at the shore hoping same. According to the fishers, the sudden weather changes is making it difficult for them to go to sea as often as they should.

Artisanal fishers Understanding of climate Change

Jacob Otabil is the chief fisherman at Oshiyie, a fishing community in Accra. With over 25 years of fishing experience, Jacob admits that a lot has changed in the fishing business. He complains about the changes in the seasons. Jacob mentioned for instance that, “there are seasons where everybody knows that from August-September, there is usually a bumper harvest”. According to him, in the late 2000s, things had changed drastically in the sense that expected bumper harvest have declined.
“Last year, we were expecting the harmattan to start in early January but it did not come. This year too, the harmattan started just last two weeks which is in March. This has never happened before”, says Jacob.

He explained that “usually, the harmattan starts in early January, at times we will experience it from December but in early January, it becomes very high. When it happens, you either cannot go to sea or when you go, you will not get anything. The climate has changed totally”, he added
He remarked that “At times you can feel very cold, and other times too, you feel very hot. But what we have been witnessing recently is that the times that we expect to feel the coldness, we rather feel very hot, and the times that we expect to feel hot, we feel cold. Upon seeing these things, we are convinced that the climate has changed.

Mic Abakah- Edu is a fisher from Axim Apewosika with over three decades of fishing experience. Abakah-Edu started fishing in his school going days. He also says there has been significant changes in the fisheries sector.

Artisanal fishers’ and their traditional method of determining the weather

Historically, Ghanaian artisanal fishers predict weather changes using traditional methods such as putting their feet in the sand and observing the clouds to forecast the weather changes. Today, applying such traditional methods are gradually proving to be obsolete in the face of a rapidly changing climate. As a result, fishers keep making huge losses from tidal waves and other extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change.

Jacob explained that artisanal fisher determines the weather by looking at the changes in the clouds. For him, their traditional way of determining the weather suitable for fishing was gradually not becoming reliable. This, he said was because of the sudden changes and the behavior of the sea.
“Yesterday, for instance, the sea was very stable, so those who went fishing got a lot of fish. All of a sudden, you see the sea running. I just received a call from a colleague who is telling me the sea is running. It has changed all of a sudden, when it happens like this, if you cast your net, there will be no fish to catch. All these happenings tell us that the climate has indeed changed”, he said.

Papa Nketia, a 78-year-old retired fisherman from New Takoradi in the West coast of Ghana narrates that fish was caught with less stress and with ease at his active days of fishing. With over 50 years of fishing experience, he says there have been significant changes and attributed it to the use of illegal fishing activities. Most importantly, he admitted that climate change has also played a part.
“There are times that the rain does not fall. We have times when the rains are not supposed to fall. Typically, January, February, and March are not rainy seasons but now we experience rain in these Months”, he noted.

He explained that unusually, a huge storm precedes the rainy season in April. He said the rains cool the sea. But he admitted that “Now the sea is warm. Climate change is real”.
He explained further that “Three Months after Easter, the rains start coming and the upwelling season begins. This is an indication that we are going to have fish. At this point, all type of scarce fishes come to the sea and plenty of fishes come to the sea. But now due to the changes in the weather and the climate, this rarely happens. It’s hardly to see this nowadays, unlike first”.

Impact of Climate Change on artisanal fishing

It is estimated that climate change could reduce Ghana’s potential fish catches by 25 percent or more by 2050. This, threatens food security and a way of life of people whose livelihoods depend directly on the ocean and fisheries. Most artisanal fishermen complain that surface water fish appear to be disappearing with reduction in the sizes of the fishes.

This makes Nana Kweigya, a fisherman who lives in the fishing community of Abandze in the Central Region of Ghana more worried and concern. Kweigya, who is the current President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CAFGOA) speaks about the climate change impacts and said “We have observed that fish species that used to appear at the surface of the sea in the past do not appear and as often as it was, giving an indication that increasing sea surface temperature has altered the distribution partner, movement of fish”.

Many artisanal fishers interviewed for the purpose of this article believe that climate change is a natural phenomenon compounded by human activities and therefore there is little they could do. Abakah-Edu for instance, believes that a lot of things were contributing to the climate change which artisanal fishers had no control over. He mentioned sea erosion and decline in fish stock as some of its impact.
“Erosion has taken greater part of the sea shore but thanks to the government, we now have a sea defense”, he said.

However, he said though the construction of a sea defense was a good thing, access root to the shore line had become a problem for the fishers. According to him, a lot of fishers have had accidents while returning from their expedition because of the rocky ways.

Nii Adametey is the Chief Fisherman in Tema, a major fishing community in the Greater Accra Region. Nii Adametey also shares his thought on how climate change is contributing to the declining fish stock. He explained that artisanal fishers do their fishing in shallow areas of the sea, however, the heat from the sea was preventing the fishes from coming to spawn at places such as the estuaries and the mangrove areas.
“Fish species such as shrimps and crabs are diminishing while our mangroves have dried up due to the heat. Because of this, the fishes are not moving down as they should for us to catch them”, he lamented.

“We are now seeing sea erosion and sometimes we do not have a place to land our canoes”, says Abakah-Edu.
“Decades ago, with a little effort, we get a lot of fish. In the past, fishers go to sea and return the same day but now, they spend two to three days on the sea because they cannot get fish”, he explained.
Abakah-Edu added that “At first, we did not use to experience the impact of climate change, we were always hearing it on the radio but now we are practically experiencing the effects”,

“Now we have to spend a lot of money on one fishing expedition and we have to increase our efforts ether than that you will not get enough catch to offset your cost. A lot of fishers are running losses. Some go to sea throughout the week and still do not get the catch which was not so in the past”
“So, now we see that climate change has impacted the sea, it has impacted our living at the coast and our job as well. We are now believing what has been said about climate change”
55-year-old Kofi Tawia is a fisherman from Ekumfi Ekumpoano who has been fishing for the past 35 years. As other fishers say, Tawiah narrates how fish was abundant in the past. He says “In those days, we can go on a fishing expedition two times a day because we did not go far before we get fish, the fishing business was booming”.

However, he noted that in the past 20 years, things have changed but it has been worst in the last 15 years. As a result, fishers have devised other means to get catch fish, and gradually fishing efforts had increased tremendously. “Now it’s very difficult, we have to travel a long distance when we go on our fishing expedition.”, he said
“We spend about GHS10,000 on one fishing expedition. If we go and we do not get fish, we have to spend days on the seas”. This, he said was not so in the past. “The fish these days have become very scare, we suffer before we catch them”, he bemoaned.
Professor Joseph Aggrey-Fynn, Head of Department of fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC) aggress with the fishermen. He is also convinced that the decline in fish stock could partly blamed on the changes in the climate.

He noted that Ghana’s waters have been warm for years and gave a historical background to why certain species of fishes such as sardine and grid trigger fish suddenly disappeared from the sea.
He explained that for organisms in the sea, especially small pelagic, they become uncomfortable and they move to where they will feel okay with the slightest change in temperature of the water. “It is clear that the sardinellas have been reacting to these warm conditions in our waters”, he said.
Artisanal fishers in Ghana are working hard to adapt to the changes being witnessed in their business as a result of the changes in climate. Sadly, some of these adaptation strategies have not been the best as they contravene the laws and regulations governing the fisheries sector and in effect contributing to worsening the already bad situation.

The use of light to aggregate and harvest fish, for instance, has been in response to the disappearance of fish at the surface of the sea, while the use of small mesh size has been in response to the decreasing sizes of fish.
Veteran Papa Nketia also shared his thought on the impact of climate change on their business and narrated that “Two years ago, after the closed fishing season, a lot of fishers went to sea and came back empty handed, unlike first, this is the period of bumper harvest.
“We see that there are changes and are now witnessing it, and it is impacting our work, it is making our work harder.
“Now, it has become the survival of the fitters, everybody is thinking about how to get fish and we are using all sort of methods (IUU). If we do not do that, I tell you we will not get fish, we will be running losses. This is further deepening our woes”, he narrated.

This, Professor Aggrey-Fynn an associate professor of Fisheries and Aquatic science believes, is forcing artisanal fishers to indulge in IUU fishing practices.
“The issue of artisanal fishermen engaging in are coming up because of the fisher’s frustration in not getting what they are supposed to get. Their frustration is in the sense that they go to sea and do not get fish, they are using all sort of means, it does not mean what they are doing is right but they are supposed to survive”, he mentioned.

Increased risks

The negative consequences of climate change are making an already risky job of the fishers even more, risky. Artisanal fishers are witnessing bad weather days, due to climate change, which is affecting the frequency of embarking on fishing expedition or the number of times they spend at sea. Coastal floods, marine erosion, tidal waves, storm surges and extreme weather conditions impede smooth fishing expedition and operation.

Kwame Adu Afful is another veteran fisherman with 38 years of fishing experience. For him though risky, fishers’ risks have increased in recent times.
“When there are high tides, you cannot go fishing. The sea becomes rough, very rough. If you go and you do not take care, either the boat will capsize or your gear will be damaged which will cost you a lot, so we do not go fishing when we notice the weather is not favorable”, Kwame said.
Jacob shared his personal experiences and said “I remember a time when the sea was very rough. The wind was blowing from the East coming to the North, so we decided not to go to sea but some of us insisted that we go, but when we went, coming back to the shore was very difficult, we found it very difficult to land at the shore”

In the olden days, though there were high tides, the wind was not too strong as we see in recent times. Now, whenever you see a small cloud, it tends to be very serious compared to years past, he added.
Nii Adametey, also added that the high tides destroy their fishing gear. “If you anchor your canoe at the shore, and the tides come at night, it can destroy the canoe, the nets could be stuck in the sand and you cannot get them back, making us run losses”.
Support from the Ghana Metrological Agency (GMA)
To boost fishers understanding and the state of the ocean, the Ghana Metrological Agency (GMA) is providing fishers with regular and daily marine forecast through the Safety at Sea Service. The GMA provides forecast and training to some artisanal fishers to interpret, translate the forecast into local languages and share among artisanal fishers using WhatsApp platforms and community information centers.

The GMES and Africa project has provided fishers with used code (*920*88#) which enable them to asses information on the state of the ocean three days ahead. Additionally, the project has developed an App which help fishers to check for additional information on the state of the ocean before they set out to go on their expedition.
By these interventions, artisanal fishers are able to check whether the state of the ocean will be calm, rough or dangerous.

These interventions, according to the artisanal fishers have been very useful and timely to them. Nana Kweigya explained that, in the past, fishers have suffered damages to canoes, outboard motor and fishing gears due to tidal waves, storm surge but with the ocean state information that is provided, they are able to know the state of the ocean to decide whether to go to sea or not.
“With the ocean state information, we are able to tell if there will be a storm, strong winds or if it will rain heavily, so we stay out. So, by staying out, we are saving lives and properties being investment of artisanal fishers”, he said.

Nana Kweigya stressed that his organization was working hard with stakeholders to enhance early warning systems to ensure that safety at sea is a priority in artisanal fishing.
“We are working to bring as many as possible community information Centre operators into a network that will help in the dissemination of ocean state information and forecast being whether advice or warnings, to give fishers timely”, he stated.
This, he stated was a departure from the past where our forefathers put their feet in the sand and are able to tell whether there will be rains or not.

Adaptation Strategies

Tawiah, shares how the artisanal fishers are making use of technology to advance their job in the wake of climate change impacts. He explained that “We were using our own knowledge but now the trawl boasts have taught us and we are now using GPS, and other technology in determining the location of the fishes”.

These technologies, he said were helping the artisanal fishers to be able to compete with the trawl vessels. “This, is what is helping us to get some fish, if not that, you can spend even a week on the sea and still come back empty handed”, he said.
To avoid making huge losses made through several fishing expeditions, the artisanal fishers now go to sea with ice blocks. This way, they are able to spend days on the sea and come home convinced that their fish will still be fresh.
“We needed to find a way to reduce the loses because we are tired of returning back empty. Now, almost every fisherman goes to sea with ice, even though this is not what we want, it is helping us”, Nketiah stated.
“Now if you really want to get enough fish to break even or make profit, you have use ice block and spend about two or three days on the sea. Unlike the olden days where you do a return trip, today it is not like that”, Abekah-Edu also mentioned.

What needs to be done

It is important to acknowledge the impact of climate change in the fisheries sector to allow for stakeholders to come up with a comprehensive plan both in the short, medium and in the long term to address the impact.

Nana Kweigya talks about the need to enhance livelihood options for fishers to reduce the excessive dependent on fisheries as their sole livelihood activity.
Prof. Aggrey-Fynn agrees with Kweigya and said “In this era where their work is too difficult, they have to be exposed or encouraged to take an alternative livelihood” though I was going to be difficult for the traditional fishermen to accept.
Regardless, Prof Aggrey-Fynn thinks the sea work would not be as lucrative as it used to be moving forward and therefore stakeholder ought to find a way to help the fishermen to get an alternative livelihood.

Nana Kweigya further underscored that artisanal fisher must be adequately educated and provided information about climate change and what needs to be done in order not to worsen the situation.
“Without a good understanding of the changes that is happening, fishers will continue to resort to whatever option that guarantee them catch which may not be the best. It is important for fishers to have adequate information as to what is happening and they will be able”, he said.
Nana Kweigya also talks about adequate participation of fishers in fisheries governance and, management. For him, fishers must have the space to be part of the policies and programs from their conception stage, data collection and implementation.

He said it is the surest way to build confidence in the process stressing that, once fishers have confidence in the process, they were more likely to accept the decisions and contribute to the implementation of the various management measures.
Nii Adametey believes that artisanal fishers could look for extra business from the sea. For instance, he said artisanal fisher could venture into the aquaculture and the rearing of mad or catfish, shrimps along the coastal areas to support their marine fishing activities.

The artisanal fishers themselves admitted to engaging in all forms of bad practices. In that regard, John Eshun, a fisher from Axim suggested that “We have to stop our bad fishing practices and allow the nature to take its course for the sea to amend itself for us to have the positive effects”.
Abakah-Edu also said Government must strictly enforce the fisheries laws and regulations. For him, Government must find an antidote to the challenges in enforcement.
All the above-mentioned interventions, according to Prof Aggrey-Fynn would have to be a deliberate that the Government must pursue. He commended the Government of Ghana for construction of coastal sea defense but insisted that it must pursue other people centered interventions as well.

Report By Afedzi Abdullah

The post How climate change impact on fisheries is pushing artisanal fishers into IUU fishing in Ghana appeared first on iWatch Africa.

• UN Comtrade data shows that the European Union exported over $275 million worth of vehicles to Ghana in the last five years. “Many of these vehicles are comparable to those we consider end-of-life vehicles.”

• With an estimated 40% of Accra’s air pollution concentrations related to vehicle transport emissions, Accra’s yearly concentration of air pollution was 11 times higher than the WHO air quality standard as of 2020.

• Ghana’s local regulators; the Ghana Road Safety Authority, and the Ghana Standards Authority do not currently have any scientific specifications and emissions standards for auto spare parts exported to the country.

ACCRA, Ghana — In the bustling market of Abossey Okai in Accra, Ghana, one will find a vast array of imported auto parts from Europe and other parts of the world. The market is known for its wide variety of auto spare parts, including both new and used parts, and is a popular destination for those looking to repair or upgrade their vehicles.

However, the importation of end-of-life vehicles and used auto parts from Europe to the market is not only putting lives at risk but also contributing to significant environmental pollution in Ghana.

Robert Dumevo, a mechanic who runs his shop at Lapaz, a suburb of Accra, recounts how he narrowly escaped death on the N1 motorway in Accra. He had replaced a broken exhaust pipe on a client’s Hyundai Sonata, unaware that the replaced part was also faulty and resulted in the vehicle catching fire during a test drive.

“I was driving a ticking time bomb. My lungs were engulfed in smoke, and I struggled to breathe. I realized there was trouble when I tried to escape but my seat belt got jammed. I could feel the fire under my feet,” Robert recalled with some hint of trepidation.

Robert blames “unscrupulous spare part dealers” at Abossey Okai, Accra’s largest hub of spare parts importers, where he bought the replacement part.

“When you buy a used spare part at Abossey Okai, you cannot tell if it is fake, sub-standard, or faulty. Some businessmen are involved in the selling of sub-standard spare parts making it difficult to do our work,” he explained. (https://jardinefoods.com/)

Abossey Okai – A morgue for used car parts and end-of-life (ELVs) vehicles from Europe

Clement Boateng, the chairman of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, admitted that the prevalence of sub-standard auto parts ending up in vehicles and causing safety and environmental issues stems from the nature of auto parts imported from abroad. “Most of the second-hand auto parts dealers import parts from salvaged and end-of-life vehicles,” Clement revealed.

There are “over 15,000 shops” at Abossey Okai, with over fifty-five percent engaged in the import of used auto spare parts from abroad, he said adding, “when importing used auto parts, you must be there for physical inspection or have a trusted client. Otherwise, you will stay in Ghana, and they will load a thrash of auto parts containers to you.”

The used automobile parts and vehicle industry is one of the biggest in Europe and West Africa. Data provided by the Dutch Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), shows that “Europe exports over a million light-duty vehicles” to Africa annually. UN Comtrade data shows that the European Union has exported over $275 million worth of vehicles to Ghana in the last five years with Germany being the biggest exporter.

“Many of these vehicles are comparable to those we consider end-of-life vehicles,” ILT notes, bringing into question the nature of port inspections that take place in Europe before export.

Frank Duru, is a car exporter with several years of experience based in Germany. He explained that there are instances when an official car inspection before export is replaced by a personal glance of approval.

“A few of them [vehicles] do not have the roadworthiness certificate, but we see they are in good condition,” he disclosed.

“Neither the exporting nor importing countries have minimum requirements in place to ensure that only quality used vehicles are traded,” said Veronica Ruiz Stannah, an expert on transportation at the United Nations Environment Programme.

This allows for a lot of used cars and car parts in poor conditions to pass inspections at European harbors and depart for West Africa, where they create substantial safety, environmental and health problems for people like Robert.

Response to trade of ELVs and used spare parts in Europe and Ghana

In 2020, ILT conducted a study on the European export of used vehicles to West Africa. The study revealed that 80 percent of 280,000 vehicles exported to West Africa from the Netherlands were “old and below the Euro 4/IV emission standard,” and often lacked requisite “roadworthiness certification.”

The study also noted that the trend was not entirely different among other European markets such as Germany, Belgium and France, Netherlands, and Italy.

Marietta Harjono, a coordinating specialist at the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) of the Netherlands, explained that, at the harbours, inspectors can stop the “worst vehicles, when they are waste or hazardous waste,” after conducting checks with customs officials.

She however stressed that, while a lot of the used cars may not be categorized as waste, they might still not be appropriate for export.

ILT in a 2021 proposal to the European Commission (EC) on the revision of EU regulation on end-of-life vehicles concluded that “environmental and health problems will arise in case third countries lack a proper system for handling vehicles that reach their end-of-life situation and become waste.”

The European Commission is currently in the process of revising its directive on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), but it remains uncertain if a “cross-border aspect” will be included in the final regulation to end the export of  ELVs to places like Ghana and Nigeria according to the ILT.

The EC did not respond to questions about ELVs and used spare parts ending up in places like Ghana.

Despite the health and environmental problems caused by end-of-life automobile parts and vehicles from Europe, Ghana’s local regulators; the Ghana Road Safety Authority, and the Ghana Standards Authority do not currently have any scientific specifications and emissions standards for auto spare parts exported to the country.

Head of Regulation, Inspection, and Compliance at the Ghana Road Safety Authority, Kwame Koduah Atuahene told iWatch Africa that his authority and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) are engaged in a conversation “to ensure that spare parts imports at least meet some conformity test and standards.”

The Ghana Standards Authority in a written response as part of this investigation also noted that: “The GSA does not have a written policy specific to vehicle spare parts. The Authority is currently pursuing the development of national standards for replacement parts (spare parts).”

Meanwhile, in 2002, Ghana introduced a regulation that made the import of vehicles over ten years more costly by imposing penalties.

Emissions, Health and Environmental Problems

In spite of this regulation, it is typical to encounter many cars releasing thick exhaust fumes while driving through Ghana’s capital, Accra, – a health hazard for many pedestrians, street hawkers, and shop owners resulting in thousands of deaths annually.

Accra’s air pollution is considered critical as around 16 percent of the air is severely polluted and unhealthy, with an additional 30 percent unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with asthma according to the Air Quality Index.

At an event to mark the International Day of Clean Air Blue Skies last September, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, the World Health Organisation Representative to Ghana noted that air pollution was the biggest environmental risk responsible for premature deaths from heart attacks, stroke, and respiratory diseases in the country.

With an estimated 40% of Accra’s air pollution concentrations related to vehicle transport emissions, its yearly concentration of air pollution was 11 times higher than the WHO air quality standard as of 2020.

The country imports about 100,000 vehicles per year, 90 percent of which are used vehicles.  Most of the cars currently used in Ghana are Euro 1 and 2, meaning that they are the most pollutant according to the EU emission standards.

So far, officials in Ghana have failed to implement legislation passed in 2020 that aims to completely ban the import of vehicles older than 10 years.

Daniel Essel, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Transport in Ghana, during a session at COP27, praised the legislation but failed to mention that the government had chosen not to implement it, raising issues about commitment of Ghanaian officials to addressing concerns related to ELVs and used car parts.

“Policymakers in Ghana are not doing enough to curtail used vehicle consumption and, to that end, reduce the harms – crashes, pollution, etc. – that come with it,” says Festival Godwin Boateng, a Ph.D. researcher at the Center for Sustainable Urban Development at Columbia Climate School in New York.

Way Forward

To safeguard the environment and public safety, Dr. Boateng insists that any ban on ELVs in Ghana should be couched as part of broader policies such as investments to make public transport, walking and cycling cleaner, safer and affordable as well as investments in city planning and minibus electrification.

For a regional solution, the ILT recommends that “African governments agree as much as possible to harmonised or regional import standards for used vehicles. Whether it is on maximum age, minimum euro class, maximum mileage, proof of roadworthiness and or condition of the vehicles at export.”

Robert narrowly avoided a fatal outcome but unfortunately, thousands including the environment bear the consequences of years of ineffective policies on the import of ELVs and used car parts.

Until the necessary actions are taken, Robert believes that “many people will continue to perish each year” through no fault of their own.

Report by Gideon Sarpong, Additional reporting by Raluca Besliu, Daniel Abugre Anyorigya and Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi.

This investigation was supported by Journalismfund.eu.

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