Reckless Directive Grounds 107 Vessels” – Hawk Managing Editor Slams Fisheries Minister

Charles McCarthy, Managing Editor of the Hawk, has launched a scathing critique of the Fisheries Minister, accusing her of issuing what he describes as a reckless directive that has left more than 107 industrial fishing vessels docked and idle.

Speaking on Kessben Maakye on Friday, McCarthy alleged that the Minister ordered industrial trawlers to operate beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit without putting in place adequate marine security measures to monitor activities offshore.

According to him, the decision has created significant operational challenges for fishing companies and deepened uncertainty within the sector.

“She cannot ask vessels to move beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit when there is no effective security presence to monitor what happens at sea,” McCarthy argued. “That directive is what has resulted in over 107 vessels being grounded.”

He further claimed that the Minister’s decision to demarcate six nautical miles exclusively for artisanal fishermen has heightened tensions between industrial and small-scale operators.

“The demarcation has created confusion and instability in the industry,” he said, insisting that the policy direction lacks clarity and stakeholder consultation.

McCarthy’s criticism, however, took a controversial turn when he reacted to reports of a recent pirate attack on fishermen from Senya Bereku in the Central Region.

In a remark that drew immediate concern from the programme’s host, Kojo Preko Dankwa, McCarthy said, “I am happy and pray that the pirates attack happens again to disgrace the minister.”

Pressed by the host on why he would wish for a tragic incident to recur, McCarthy responded, “It is to expose her incompetence.”