Ghana’s tuna industry collapsing under high operating costs – NAFAG

Ghana’s tuna industry is gradually collapsing under high operating costs, heavy taxes and inadequate government support, Vice Chairman of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), Richster Amarh Amarfio, has warned.

According to him, the sustained challenges facing operators have already wiped out the country’s pole-line fishing sub-sector, with no pole-line vessel currently operating in Ghana.

He said the cost of fuel remains one of the biggest pressures on tuna operators, as vessels receive no fuel support and have to purchase fuel at prevailing market prices.Business Events Coverage

Mr Amarfio explained that a vessel can consume about 270,000 litres of fuel, making fuel expenditure a major burden on operators.

Beyond fuel costs, he said fishing companies face taxes on fish stocks, spare parts and equipment despite the sector being classified under agriculture.

He also cited high port charges, dry-docking costs and expenses associated with maritime security services required for operations in international waters.

“Basically, it looks like we’ve been left on our own. Nobody actually cares what is happening within our industry and we are collapsing gradually,” he said.

Mr Amarfio is therefore calling for deliberate government intervention to protect the sector and unlock its economic potential.