Ghanaian Fishermen in Ibeno Appeals for Govt. Intervention

The Ghanaian Fishermen under National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has appealed to Akwa Ibom State government to urgently intervene over the lingering crises between them and the host communities. However, from investigation, it has been gathered that the said fishermen in Iwuo-Achang and Upenekang in Ibeno L.G.A have been subjected to all forms of extortions from different groups in the communities. 

Currently, they alleged that group of women from Iwuo-Achang and Upenekang with the support of the Village Heads: Chief Afia Daniel, Iwuo-Achang and Chief Eshiet Upenekang invaded homes of the visitors. 

However, the said women alleged that Ghanaian fishermen in their communities are not selling fish to them at the price they want, instead, they sold to their wives. Consequently, these groups of women have been moving from one place to another, molesting Ghanaian women, stopping them from roasting fish which triggered serious crisis.

From the person who spoke under anonymity, however disclosed to our reporter that “For over 30years we have been living here, engaging in legitimate fishing business, pay tax and other levies to the community”. Also, he said “Since the crisis erupted, we have not been able to go to sea and do business which has negatively affected the economy and their families”. He mentioned names of group of fish collectors from Iwuo-Achang and Upenekang who have been illegally collecting fish from them every day. The groups from Iwuo-Achang are Vigilante Chairman, Vigilante group, Youth President, Obong Mkparawa and others. 

Upenekang groups include Upenekang Youth Council, Vigilante group and Chief Secretary etc. He added that “We paid certain reasonable amount to both Village Heads and others, hence, the communities are still demanding so much from them and these have negatively affected their businesses”

Further investigation revealed that Ibeno L.G.A Transition Chairman, Mr. Mkpah is not handling the issue objectively, he has tactically refused to hold meeting with Ghanaian over six times he invited them. Meanwhile, the 70% fish quota sale demanded by women of the two communities from the visitors is unfair and exploitative. Hence, the Association of Ghanaian Fishermen is calling on the state government to urgently come to their aid and settle the dispute amicably with their host communities. They equally appeal to government to intervene in the areas of checking activities of sea pirates, order Iwuo-Achang and Upenekang women to stop molesting their wives and also donate directly to them incentives to aid their businesses.