“In the past, we could process five to ten basins of fish a day,” says Ruby Adukpo, a leader of the Volta Regional Fishmongers and Processors Association. “Now, if you see just one basin, it’s a good day.”

Ruby is one of thousands of women along Ghana’s coastline who depend on fish processing and trading — not just for income, but for food security, cultural continuity, and the survival of entire communities. But today, the women’s fires are going cold. Ghana’s small-scale fishing communities are in crisis, and the burden is falling heavily on the shoulders of women.

The causes are complex: overfishing, climate-induced changes in ocean currents, and, above all, the illegal incursions of industrial trawlers into nearshore waters — where artisanal fishers operate. Despite longstanding laws, enforcement has been weak, leaving fishers at the mercy of powerful foreign fleets.

In response, Ghana passed a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, which includes the expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles — a measure aimed at protecting artisanal fishers from industrial intrusion. But for Ruby and her colleagues, the victory remains only on paper.

“We are afraid the policy will be reversed,” she says. “We’ve heard that industrial players are lobbying to cancel it. But what about us? Who lobbies for the women?”

In towns like Anyanui, Salakope, Woe, and Dzelukope, the story repeats itself: fishmongers with reduced stock, traders losing clients, families unable to meet basic needs. Many women have been forced to abandon their traditional work altogether, switching to petty trade or migrating to Accra.

Elinam Gati, a 28-year-old second-generation fish processor in Salakope, shares her dilemma: “My mother taught me this trade, and I wanted to continue. But we can’t survive on passion. There is no fish.”

The issue is not only economic — it is generational and deeply cultural. Women are the backbone of Ghana’s fisheries post-harvest sector. They not only smoke and distribute the fish, but they control pricing, manage household economies, and preserve the very identity of coastal communities.

“When the fish disappear, the women disappear,” says Ruby. “And when we disappear, whole communities collapse.”

For many fishmongers and processors, the expanded IEZ is not just a policy — it is a promise of restoration. But promises alone are not enough.

“Enforcement is key. We don’t need another law sitting on the shelf,” Ruby says. “We need the Navy, the Fisheries Commission, the government — all to act. If they fail, we all fail.”

In the smoke-filled sheds of the coast, the women wait — not for handouts, but for justice.

Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie

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The two women pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea. Their respective lawyers pleaded for mitigation before the court handed down the fines.

The court was presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court Judge with additional responsibilities at the Circuit Court.

Felix Banini, a fisherman alleged to have stolen the fish, is currently on the run, and a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Presenting the case, Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah told the court that the complainant, Mr. Joseph Alobuia, is a commercial tilapia farmer with fish cages located on a section of the Densu River at Joma in the Ga Central Municipality.

Banini, along with Ayawah and Kattah, are residents of Ablekuma-Agape Down and are known in the area as fishermen and fishmongers.

According to Chief Inspector Awuah-Ansah, on May 25, 2025, at around 1:00 a.m., Banini took his canoe to the Densu River at Joma and stole a quantity of fish from Mr. Alobuia’s cages.

The next day, Mr. Alobuia discovered the theft and estimated the value of the stolen tilapia at GH¢100,000. He returned home and began a search for the culprits.

During his search, he identified some of his stolen tilapia in the possession of Lady Ayawah and confronted her.

The prosecution said, “In the process, Lady Ayawah mentioned Banini as the person who sold the fish to her the previous night.”

On June 2, 2025, with the help of other fishermen in Agape Down, Mr. Alobuia apprehended Banini and handed him over to the police.

Banini admitted to the theft in his caution statement, revealing that he sold GH¢850 worth of tilapia to Lady Ayawah and GH¢1,200 worth to Faustina Kattah.

Both Ayawah and Kattah admitted the offence during police investigations and were subsequently charged and arraigned before the court.

Banini, however, failed to appear in court and is currently being sought by the police, the prosecution said.

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Fishmongers in the densely populated community continue to use outdated methods to smoke fish, generating excessive smoke that affects both residents and traders.

Speaking to Adom News, Dr. Hughes explained that the use of biomass for fish smoking significantly pollutes the air, with its emissions impacting the entire area.

He emphasized that the harmful effects extend beyond the fishmongers, posing serious risks to the most vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

“These groups are more susceptible due to weaker immune systems and underdeveloped lungs, making them prone to respiratory issues and other health complications,” he noted.

His comment was in connection with Adom News’ report Chronic respiratory diseases on the rise in Accra – Health Director

Dr. Hughes called for urgent community awareness and intervention to mitigate the harmful effects of smoke exposure.

He advocated for safer fish-smoking techniques and policies that protect both fishmongers and residents from long-term health risks.

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These women, who work tirelessly under the scorching sun, are exposed to harmful smoke from their trade, leading to significant health challenges.

Many of them are not only managing their businesses but also balancing motherhood, with some being pregnant or caring for young children.

Former Ridge Hospital Director, Dr. Emmanuel Obeng-Apori, has warned about the severe health implications of prolonged smoke exposure.

He noted that inhaling the smoke, especially for pregnant women, could lead to preterm births, premature deliveries, and, in severe cases, stillbirths.

Some fishmongers revealed that when they visit healthcare facilities, they are often questioned about drug use or smoking.

According to them, this misinterpretation arises because their livers and throats appear blackened, exhibiting symptoms similar to those of substance abuse.

This misunderstanding underscores the urgent need for public awareness regarding the impact of air pollution from traditional cooking methods on the health of these women.

In response, the fishmongers are calling on the government for assistance, advocating for the provision of affordable, improved stoves that can significantly reduce the smoke they inhale daily. They believe that such stoves would not only improve their health but also enhance the quality of the fish they sell, ultimately benefiting their livelihoods.

Adom TV’s Climate Chronicles initiative aims to shed light on these pressing issues and seek viable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

By amplifying the struggles faced by the fishmongers of Jamestown Lighthouse, the initiative hopes to prompt immediate action from the government and relevant stakeholders to address both environmental and health concerns.

The situation in Jamestown serves as a critical reminder of the intersection between climate change, health, and economic stability. The call for improved cooking technology is not just about reducing smoke; it is about safeguarding the health of those who play a vital role in the local economy and ensuring a healthier future for their families.

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The lack of this essential fuel has halted their operations, causing significant distress in the community.

President of the Fishmongers Association, Victoria Anjala, explained that some boat operators have been stranded on the Black Volta due to the fuel shortage.

She highlighted that without premix fuel, the fishmongers are unable to work, leading to an increase in fish prices in the market.

Anjala appealed to the government for immediate intervention, warning that without fuel, their fish stocks risk spoiling.

The organizer of the Fishmongers Association in Buipe, Florence Dowsah, spoke on the broader impact of the fuel shortage.

She noted that the lack of premix fuel has left their husbands, who are boat operators, unemployed, heightening their financial struggles.

Dowsah issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if the situation persists, the community might boycott the 2024 elections.

Also, Chairman of the Boat Operators Association, David Godze, confirmed that they have not received any premix fuel in Buipe for the past year.

This prolonged shortage has devastated their business operations.

Godze urged the government to provide the necessary fuel supply promptly, or they will continue their strike.

Responding to the crisis, Ben Gbagbladza, the coordinator for premix fuel in Buipe, acknowledged the significant challenge the district faces.

He called for patience from the boat operators and assured them that efforts are underway to resolve the issue soon.

The Metropolitan Director of Health Service, Dr. Abena Okoh, who made the disclosure, said the NCDs, also known as chronic respiratory diseases, tend to last long.

She cited environmental pollution and unhealthy lifestyles as major causes of the diseases.

Explaining further, Dr. Okoh stated that hypertension is the fifth biggest cause of death in Accra for three consecutive years – from 2021 through 2023.

The Health Director said that a total of 38,826 hypertension cases recorded in Accra health facilities had been 12,451 in 2021, 12,671 in 2022 and 13,704 in 2023.

According to her, asthma followed on the log with 1,364 in 2021, 2,112 in 2022 and 1,661 in 2023.

Cardiac diseases placed seventh, posting 418 cases in 2021, 249 in 2022, and…in 2023.
The Accra Metro Health Directorate reckons stroke as an important disease too, with 187 cases having been recorded in 2021, 304 in 2022 and… in 2023.

On fatalities caused by the environmental pollution-engendered NCDs, the Health Director told Adom News about 200 Accra residents died from cardiovascular diseases during the three years under review.

She said women in James Town whose main occupation is fish smoking with fire wood, risked getting the deadly diseases.

Indeed, among the suburbs of the capital, when it comes to cases of lung cancer and other chronic respiratory diseases, James Town always ranks high – according to the medic.

She, thus, advised women smoking fish at James Town to go for clean cook stoves for a healthy life.

Dr. Okoh assured that many deaths from non-communicable diseases are preventable, if communities and policymakers put in place right measures to minimise environmental pollution.

Her comment was in connection with Adom News’ report Clean cookstoves offer benefits but many fishmongers cannot afford them.

The report shed light on Ahotor oven, a modern cook stove that emits far less smoke, saving the smokers’ health.

Currently, health experts are calling on fish smokers across the country to adopt a clean and safer method for smoking fish.

Most fishmongers say that they know the benefits of the Ahotor stove.

They also know the traditional stoves are dangerous. But they all say the Ahotor stove does not do a good job smoking fish.

Source: Prince Owusu Asiedu

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Smoking fish has long been a dangerous job for the women and children who labor over toxic smoke. Many develop blindness, asthma and other illnesses preparing the food that we rely on.

But traditional smoking can also harm us. Smoking adds pollutants to the fish that can impact our health.

This revelation was on the back of Adom News’ report, Health crisis in Ghana’s fishing industry: Women and children face dangers from smoking fish

Currently, health experts are calling on fish smokers across the country to adopt a clean and safer method for smoking fish.

But as Prince Owusu Asiedu found during a visit to some fishing communities along the coast, many fish smokers continue to use the tradition means.

Victoria Darko has been a fishmonger for 45 years. It’s the vocation that has helped her raise three children.

But hundreds of hours over smoking ovens, nearly caused her to go blind. It didn’t take much for doctors to link her condition to the smoke and they warned that if she didn’t change jobs, she would never see again.

Victoria needed a solution. She soon found it in the Ahotor oven. It’s a modern cook stove that emits far less smoke, saving the smokers’ health. Victoria loves her Ahotor oven.

Produced by sustainable fisheries management, the Ahotor oven has been on the Ghanaian market for more than seven years. But looking for a fishmonger who uses the Ahotor stove is as difficult as looking for a needle that has fallen into a river.

From Tema to Teshie-Nungua to James Town and from Cape Coast to Elmina, he found no one using the Ahotor stove.

It was only in Sekondi-Takoradi that he found Victoria – just one fishmonger, using it.

Most fishmongers say that they know of the benefits of the Ahotor stove. They also know the traditional stoves are dangerous. But they all say the Ahotor stove does not do a good job smoking fish.

“We know ahotor oven, it cannot smoke the fish well for us so we cannot use it. We prefer using the traditional way”.

Others say even if they wanted to use the modern stove, they can’t afford it. An Ahotor oven sells for ten thousand Ghana cedis. For fishmongers who earn less than a hundred cedis a day, that’s just too much.

“We believe the traditional way is best because the price of the oven is expensive”.

University of Ghana public health expert, Dr. Reginald Quansah, says the Ahotor stove makers must listen to fish smokers in order to save lives.

“We must strive to improve the technology behind the ‘Ahotor Oven,’ addressing concerns raised by those on the frontlines of fish processing”.

Dr. Florence Boamponsem, is another public health expert who says the health of babies and children of fish smokers is another major reason for the switch to modern stoves.

“Exposing children to smoke should never be considered normal. The health risks, from respiratory issues to developmental complications, are profound.”

President of the Association of Fish Processors and Traders, Juliana Solomon, is encouraging her members to try the modern way of smoking fish.

“I urge fishmongers to start using Ahotor Oven whiles they wait for manufactures of the oven to improve technology”.

A Director at the Ministry of Fisheries, Abena Yeboah, also says the Ministry is considering options to help the fishmongers acquire the modern cookstoves.

She says the Fisheries Ministry has received feedback from fishmongers about delay in smoking fish.

“By working together and following best practices, we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for all involved in the fishing industry”.

The inventor of the Ahotor Oven, Kofi Biney, says measures are in place to improve the technology. We have received feedback from fishmongers along the coast about delay in smoking fish so we have improved technology”.

As improvements are made to the Ahotor cookstove, experts say it is imperative that more is done to encourage fishmongers to adopt modern cookstoves to save themselves so that more women like Victoria Darko can save their eyesight and health.

But time is running out. Each day spent working with the traditional oven increases the risk of disease and death for Ghanaian fishmongers.

This story was a collaboration between Adom TV & New Narratives as part of the Clean Air Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Clean Air Fund.

The funder had no say in the story’s content.

Source: Prince Owusu Asiedu

The four: Cecilia Klottey, Regina Okinkoi, Okailey Norrah Ayi and Mercy Tetteh, were apprehended and their wares were confiscated on Friday.

This was after several cautions by the Metropolitan Environmental Health Officers (MEHOs) about the potential hygiene and safety issues posed by drying fish in such a public space close to the Korle Lagoon.  

The practice, according to the AMA exposes the fish to particles of smoke from vehicle exhaust, worn-out ties, and dust, as well as a strong stench permeating the area, causing discomfort to pedestrians and nearby schools, which is dangerous to public health and safety. 

The Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah who disclosed this to the media said Public Health Officers of the Assembly had initially attempted to address the issue through a series of verbal and written warnings, outlining the health implications but the cautions were not adhered to leading to the decision to arrest and take legal action. 

He emphasised that the exhaust emissions from the vehicles release a mixture of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter, which can settle on surfaces such as the fish being dried, adding that particles from worn-out tires, a common source of microplastics, could also contribute to contamination which compromises the safety and quality of the dried fish, potentially affecting the health of those who consume them. 

“According to environmental scientists, inhaling or ingesting these contaminants can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions,” he said. 

He assured that the Assembly would strike a balance between the cultural heritage and contemporary regulations stressing that efforts would be made to work with the fishmongers and other traditional businesses to find suitable solutions that respect both their practices and the city’s standards.

“Efforts are being made to educate traditional businesses about the potential risks associated with drying food in open, uncontrolled spaces and to encourage them to adopt safer alternatives…We intend to strike a balance between the cultural heritage and contemporary regulations, ” he said.  

He expressed concerns over the broader environmental impact associated with such practices in an increasingly urbanized setting and urged citizens to report any such activities taking place in their neighbourhoods to ensure swift and effective action. 

He reiterated the AMA’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and harmonious urban environment for all residents and visitors.

Jessica Tetteh, a resident who witnessed the arrest, shared her concern about the incident. “I’m glad the authorities are cracking down on this illegal activity. Drying fish in public areas is not only unhygienic, but it also creates an unpleasant and unsightly environment for everyone.” 

The four fishmongers are currently awaiting their day in court, where they will face charges related to public health and safety violations.

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A visit by the Joy Clean Ghana Campaign team together with the Health Directorate of the AMA to the Jamestown fishing community revealed some of the fishes are washed with what is a ‘thick brown porridge-like’ solution.

That aside, the team discovered human excreta a few metres away from the fish-smoking oven while some unconcerned mongers proceeded to do their businesses in such unhygienic conditions.

Head of Public Health Department of the AMA, Florence Kuukyi, perplexed by the situation, attributed their negligence to improper attitude towards health and sanitation in the area.

People here are very difficult to change; to get them to do the right thing becomes a very big issue.  If you do not take care, they will interfere with your work and even beat you, she explained.

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Additionally, leader of the Fishers Association, siding with the AMA’s claims said his community members were fond of disregarding their advice because they do not have mandate to put them in check.

We know of these unhealthy conditions but when we complain, our voices are not really heard. They don’t respect us because we are amongst them but if we are given the authority, we will be up to the task, he said.

Subsequently, the sanitation task force team served some fishers with a summon letter as others were cautioned to improve their health conditions.

In an attempt to avert the situation, the fisherfolks were invited to attend a sanitation health class organized by AMA.