The pledge comes in the wake of the violence that marred the 2020 elections at the Steps to Christ Centre, where gunfire erupted, injuring several people and nearly halting the voting process.

During a walk through the principal streets of Kasoa, Hawa Koomson reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining peace in the 2024 elections.

The MP, who has consistently spoken out against electoral violence since the 2020 incident, emphasized her dedication to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the constituency.

Leading a large crowd during the walk, Hawa Koomson used the opportunity to preach peace to the residents, urging them to avoid any actions that could lead to violence during the polls.

She reiterated her determination to oversee a smooth and secure electoral process, free from the disruptions that occurred in the past.

“2024 is an election year and so as NPP faithful, we are gearing up for the big event. On Monday, the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will be visiting the constituency to commission some projects. These are all some of the good things about the NPP. I will be filing my nomination so I needed to gather the NPP supporters ahead of that day. But I must also say that as MP I am committed to ensuring peaceful elections in December.”

“Even if my opponent comes with violence, I will resist to ensure a peaceful process. We are ready for election 2024 and it must come without any violence or confrontation. This is because I am the incumbent and my opponents are the ones who want to unseat me, but I remain steadfast to ensure that I win the elections hands down,” she said.

Source: Myjoyonline

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The MP was spotted carrying a pan of watermelon on her head, hawking in the streets as part of her campaign activities in the constituency.

The video, which has since gone viral, shows the minister interacting with residents, demonstrating her connection to the community and her hands-on approach to campaigning.

This unusual move has garnered attention, as it reflects her effort to resonate with the grassroots and connect with her constituents on a personal level.

Many of such antics are expected to dominate the airwaves as the country prepares for the general elections on December 7.

Watch video below:

Mustapha Gbande also revealed that, they will hold Madam Koomson accountable for the procurement of ambulances.

He claimed that she involved companies, including those connected to the President’s children, in transactions that led to a loss of GH¢109 million.

In an interview with Adom News, Mustapha Gbande stated that Hawa Koomson will be arrested on December 10, 2024, immediately after the NDC wins the election because she failed to construct a single dam under the “One Village, One Dam” policy.

“We will not allow her to escape accountability. The people deserve answers for the failed promises under the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy. Hawa Koomson will have to answer for the financial losses incurred under the guise of the ‘One Village, One Dam’ initiative. We will ensure that justice is served” he stated.

Speaking at an engagement with religious leaders in Kasoa, Mustapha Gbande accused the NPP government of collapsing Ghana’s economy through corruption and mismanagement.

“The NPP government has failed Ghanaians through rampant corruption and mismanagement. The economic hardships we are facing today are a direct result of their negligence.”

He also called on NPP flagbearer Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to clarify whether he is a Muslim or a Christian and stop deceiving religious leaders.

Mustapha Gbande said he would resign from his position the day Dr. Bawumia recites the Qur’an and promised that the NDC would continue to expose the lies and corruption under the NPP government.

“Dr. Bawumia should come out and be honest about his faith. Enough of the deception. If he can recite the Qur’an, I will resign from my position” he said.

Meanwhile, the NDC Parliamentary candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, claimed that only 10 percent of Kasoa’s youth are employed, out of the 68 percent youth population in Kasoa.

She promised that, the next NDC government will build more factories in the Awutu Senya East Constituency to create jobs and reduce unemployment and crime rates in Kasoa.

Source: Kofi Adjei

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Madam Koomson’s firstborn, Ato Koomson, was stabbed in the chest by an NDC ward Organizer during a voter transfer exercise.

The suspect was arrested and is assisting with investigations. However, the NDC has mounted a spirited defense for the suspect, claiming he was protecting himself from being lynched by Mr. Koomson thugs.

But Hawa Koomson who is also the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture made the allegation during a Peace Talk event to settle dispute between NDC and NPP in the constituency at Kasoa Odikro Palace.

The Awutu Senya East MP claimed she had received information about the NDC’s plot to kill her son.

She noted that, she gave the information to the Police but was shocked that they failed to arrest the suspect before the act was committed.

Hawa Koomson said she pointed out the suspect to the Police the day before the incident, and it was the same person who nearly killed her son.

Watch video below:

Meanwhile, Awutu Senya East NDC Constituency Chairman, Stephen Ofosu Agyari, pledged to talk to his party members to work towards a peaceful election.

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Mrs Koomson, who was answering questions from fish processors at the Tema Canoe Basin on the inadequate and inequitable distribution of premix fuel to artisanal fishers at Tema, indicated that the inability of the leadership of the Tema Canoe Landing Basin to secure land for the installation of the premix vending machine was responsible for the shortage of premix fuel in the area.

Ultimatum

The Minister gave the ultimatum last Thursday when she presented fishing closed-season relief items to artisanal fishers and fish processors at the Tema Canoe Landing Beach.

She warned that failure to provide space for the installation of the vending machine as soon as possible could result in the curtailment of premix fuel supply to the basin.

The items, which included bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil and canned fish, as well as basins and wire meshes were to cushion the beneficiaries to cope with the fishing closed season.

She said in communities, such as Nungua, Akplabanya, Chorkor and Elmina, where the automated machines had been installed, the issue of corruption and protocol distribution of premix fuel had been curtailed and fishers were experiencing increased accessibility of the product.

The Automated Premix Fuel Distribution System is a fuel management and tank gauging system designed to enhance the effective and efficient management of premix fuel.

To access the premix fuel, a fisherman presents the card reader on which the quantity of fuel allocated is loaded. Once authorisation is granted, the card is debited and the pump starts dispensing.

Science and data

Mrs Koomson said the closed season was based on scientific advice and its implementation was in consultation with the various fisheries associations.

She commended the fishermen for observing the close season voluntarily and for adhering to the directives of the Ministry.

“I have told the fishers not to listen to those who say they want to cancel the closed season. If they can cancel, they would have cancelled that of the trawlers because it is the trawlers that are giving us problems,” she said.

Mrs Koomson said when she assumed office, she met 76 trawlers. However, currently, there are only 41 trawlers that are functional due to measures put in place by the Ministry, adding that she was committed to working towards curbing overfishing, reducing fishing pressure, restoring overexploited fish stocks and replenishing dwindling fish populations.

Sustainable livelihoods

Mrs Koomson said as part of efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods for fishers, the Ministry and its partners, including the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, had launched alternative livelihood training programmes.

She said last year, about 5,000 fishers in four regions were trained in various skills such as masonry, carpentry, dressmaking, hairdressing, electronics and auto engineering.

She said this year, the training had been expanded to cover 8,000 fishers. However, the Ministry had decided to complement the ongoing support to help trainees establish their own businesses and generate income from their trades, as a result of which the Ministry ordered a number of sewing machines and hair dryers to support livelihood training programmes.

She said by the end of August this year, the Ministry would take delivery of several outboard motors for the fishermen at subsidised prices, all aimed at supporting the sector.

The National Coordinator of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit, Commodore Francis A. Nyarko, said most fishermen use monofilament net lights, dynamite, explosives and small nets to overfish and, therefore, cautioned fishermen to desist from using such gears.

She warned that the FEU would arrest culprits who flouted the fishing regulations through the use of unauthorised fishing methods.

A chief fisherman at Tema, Nii Adjierteh Mator III, said the leadership of the Landing Beach Committee would intensify efforts in securing space to facilitate the installation of automated premix fuel vending machines to address the persistent issues of artificial shortages and hoarding of premix fuel.

Nii Adjierteh Mator III also called for a ban on the sale and importation of monofilament nets on the market.

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During a ceremony in Dixcove, Western Region on Monday, July 1, to mark the commencement of the closed season, Hawa Koomson cautioned that anyone caught violating the ban would face severe penalties.

The closed season, aimed at replenishing Ghana’s marine fisheries resources, has become an established annual practice in the fishing industry.

Set to last for a month, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries resources.

“It has come to my notice that some fisherfolks are planning to land their fish at the Togo border during the Closed season, therefore, kindly be warned that they will be apprehended and charged if they go on with their intention. More so, there shall be no more use of monofilament nets and any unauthorized fishing gear after the opening of the season.”

However, some fishermen in Dixcove expressed concerns about the government’s failure to provide adequate support and premix fuel before the closed season, leaving them without sufficient income to support their families during the ban.

“They should have brought us adequate premix before the ban on fishing so we work to make some savings before the closed season so that nobody cries of hunger, but that didn’t happen. The closed fishing season going to make our feeding very difficult, and the government should put in place something to make life bearable for us before because,” one of them said.

“The one bag of rice they are bringing would not be enough for a family of four or more without money. How are we going to cope with this? So the government should rather put in place proper financial support for each fisherman because the fishing industry is the major source of livelihood in their Ahanta Area,” he added.

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Her plea came during the commissioning of the newly constructed Kasoa Odikro Palace, where she urged Muslim youth to avoid any form of violence amidst the ongoing Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Hawa Koomson said she is commitment to ensuring a peaceful environment in Kasoa, particularly during the election period.

She expressed her determination to maintain peace, referencing a recent incident involving her son, Ato Koomson, who was stabbed during the limited voter registration exercise.

The suspect in that case has since been remanded.

Hawa Koomson remarked that the image of Kasoa is at stake, urging all residents to preach peace and tolerance especially in the election year.

The Odikro of Kasoa, Naa Saani Seidu, commended Hawa Koomson for her efforts in building the new palace, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the community.

The initiative is seen as a step towards fostering unity and stability in the area as elections approach.

The was during a scuffle at the office of the Electoral Commission at Ofaakor near Kasoa in the Central region.

The Police arrested Haruna during the disturbance around 5:am on Sunday, June 2, 2024, before the start of the day’s activities at the EC office.

The clash, according to an eyewitness, stemmed from a disagreement over the queuing of voters seeking to transfer their votes to the constituency.

Amid the violence, Ato Koomson was stabbed in the chest and subsequently rushed to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

Additionally, three members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were injured and admitted to the Kasoa Polyclinic.

The suspect is scheduled to reappear in court on June 19, 2024.

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Naa Koryoo has stated she needed a gun to protect herself from her opponent and incumbent MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson.

In an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, she claimed the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture during the 2020 elections threatened her on four separate occasions.

However, the Police took no action.

“There is the need for me to do that because I can best protect myself and not any other person against Hawa Koomson.”

“When we go back into the 2019-2020 elections, Hawa Koomson pulled a gun on me on four different occasions. No arrest was done, no interrogations, no investigations, nothing. The case just died. And since the police haven’t provided any form of protection for me,” she stated.

This comes after Naa Koryoo together with two others; Mustapha Mohammed and Abdul Aziz Musah were arrested on Sunday over the alleged possession of firearm without lawful authority.

The trio were onboard a Honda CRV car with registration number GX-2044-19 and arrested around the EC Office at Ofaakor.

One pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition according to the Police was retrieved from the vehicle.

But Madam Okunor has denied the reports of her arrest.

In the heat of the confusion, Ato Koomson, the son of Hawa Koomson, was stabbed in his chest.

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The incident, which took place in front of the Kasoa Electoral Commission office, left Ato Koomson in critical condition.

The suspect, identified as Asmah, was reportedly captured by NPP members, who handed him over to the Police for prosecution.

Before his arrest, Asmah received severe beatings, sustaining head injuries and bleeding profusely.

Despite the altercation, Police swiftly took him into custody, ensuring he receives medical attention for his injuries.

The initial confrontation began over seating arrangements at the voter registration center, with tensions flaring between NPP and NDC members.

Hawa Koomson’s son stabbed at registration center [Photos+Video]

The conflict escalated around 4:00 am and culminated in the stabbing of Ato Koomson at approximately 5:00 am.

King Adawu, an NPP member who also sustained injuries while trying to intervene, confirmed the incident to Adom News.

In response to the violent outbreak, heavy security has been deployed to the area to restore calm.

According to available information, Mr. Koomson was in critical condition when he was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment.

Sources say another person was also injured during the altercation.

Giving more details, an eye witness said the confusion started when supporters of the governing NPP and opposition NDC disagreed on the position of some residents in the queue in the ongoing voter ID cards transfer and replacement exercise.

The source explained that both parties usually join the queue for members by booking a spot with a chair, however, a disagreement on who should sit on a particular chair started around 4:00am.

Mr. Koomson is said to have arrived at the registration centre about 45 minutes after the altercation started.

He is then alleged to have approached the NDC organizer at the registration centre to help resolve the issue.

However, another alleged member of the NDC started to verbally abuse him.

According to King Adawu, a member of the NPP who also sustained a minor cut, the alleged NDC member pulled out a knife during the exchange between the two gentlemen, stabbing the Minister’s son in the chest.

King Adawu told Adom News, he had tried to block the knife, which resulted in his injury.

Subsequently, the two were rushed to the hospital where he was treated and discharged while Ato Koomson has been admitted.

Meanwhile, the Police have arrested the main suspect amidst ongoing investigation into the matter.

This was done in consultation with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and other partners.

This decision was reached during a meeting held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, where the GJA and its media partners reviewed the blacklist on the MPs.

During the meeting, the Yendi MP, alongside Minister designate for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar rendered unqualified apology to all journalists in the country.

The media blackout on the Yendi MP was initially imposed on February 6, 2024, following an attack on Mohammed Alabira, a reporter for Accra-based Citi FM, during the NPP parliamentary primaries.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, urged all journalists and media outlets to adhere to the decision accordingly.

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This is to address the persistent issues of artificial shortages and hoarding of premix fuel nationwide.

Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, informed Parliament that these automation efforts have been highly effective in mitigating challenges such as shortages and the involvement of middlemen who purchase at subsidized prices and resell at inflated rates.

Currently, 50 automated projects at landing beaches are operational, facilitating access to the product for genuine fisherfolk.

The Minister also disclosed that 150 more projects are in various stages of completion and are expected to be fully operational by September 2024.

Minister Koomson made these remarks when she appeared before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament to address inquiries in the sector.

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The MPA covers some 700km2 of biodiversity-rich coastal waters. The communities will manage and implement the protected area, slated for formal establishment in 2026.

Ministers from Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and several other African countries gathered at Our Ocean Conference in Athens to Pledge Support for Community-led Marine Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries Management.

Speaking at the conference, Mavis Hawa Koomson stated, “Between our ongoing commitment to fisheries transparency and this new commitment towards marine conservation, Ghana is demonstrating a strong commitment to the conservation and sustainability of its rich marine resources for the good of the country and its people.”

Several African nations, at the Our Ocean conference in Athens,   have reaffirmed their commitment to combating industrial overfishing and addressing the pressing challenges of climate breakdown in African waters during an event co-hosted by Blue Ventures and Le Partenariat Régional pour la Conservation de la zone côtière et Marine (PRCM), in collaboration with Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

The leaders have been disclosing a series of major commitments, including establishing one of Africa’s largest community-led marine protected areas (MPAs) in Ghana and an ambition to exceed international targets to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 in Guinea-Bissau.

Viriato Luís Soares Cassamá, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Action, shed light on recent conservation and fisheries achievements in the country.

He expressed Guinea-Bissau’s aspirations to surpass the globally acknowledged 30×30 target for conservation efforts. Cassamá outlined various initiatives, such as proposing the Bijagós Archipelago for inclusion on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site list and establishing the second Biosphere Reserve in the Cacheu Complex and the coastal islands of Geta-Pixice.

“Currently, Guinea-Bissau has achieved a significant milestone, with 26.3% of its territory designated as protected areas, of which 12.6% are marine protected areas,” he said.

“We are confident that if we continue on this path, we will not only achieve but significantly exceed the 30×30 target.”

Industrial overfishing, pollution, and climate breakdown are unprecedentedly changing African waters, jeopardizing marine ecosystems and threatening the food security of millions of livelihoods across the continent.

Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing continues to decimate fish stocks, resulting in an annual loss of over US$11 billion in Africa. 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, organizations such as the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) are gaining momentum, urging governments to enhance transparency and ensure meaningful participation of stakeholders, including small-scale fishers, in decision-making.

Countries like Madagascar and Cabo Verde have also made significant strides in enhancing fisheries governance, progressing to candidate status under the FiTI standard.

The Union of Comoros, for example, is accelerating efforts to join these ranks, with a dedicated roadmap for full membership by the year’s end.

In recent years, global agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, have emphasized the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs).

These agreements commit the world to safeguarding 30% of both land and water by 2030, a goal known as 30×30.

When effectively managed and adequately funded, with communities taking the lead, MPAs offer a win-win solution for both people and nature.

 They help replenish fisheries, support local livelihoods, and play a vital role in addressing climate change, coastal poverty, and the negative impacts of industrial fishing.

The historic High Seas Treaty provides a clear roadmap for establishing MPAs in international waters, which is crucial for reaching the 30×30 target and preserving biodiversity in the oceans.

Yet, only 17% of African waters are designated protected areas, highlighting the need for accelerated action.

The commitments made by Ghana and Guinea-Bissau at the Our Ocean conference signify a crucial step forward in addressing this pressing issue and safeguarding the future of Africa’s marine ecosystems.

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According to him, she expressed her willingness to collaborate with the police in apprehending those responsible for assaulting Cape FM journalist, David Kobbina, during her vetting in Cape Coast.

Previously, the MP challenged the GJA to provide evidence of her involvement in the assault.

Hawa Koomson also threatened legal action against Mr. Dwumfour and the Association, urging them to retract the blackout statement or substantiate their claims of her involvement in the journalist’s assault.

However, Mr. Dwumfour in interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Wednesday said the Awutu Senya East MP has reached out, pledging to cooperate with GIJ to resolve the matter.

“Hawa Koomson has now expressed her desire for reconciliation. She is ready to support the GJA, the police, and other relevant institutions in bringing the culprits to justice” he stated.

Mr. Dwumfour added that, the MP had promised to meet with the Association soon for discussions on the next steps to address the issue.

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Hawa Koomson led convincingly with 1,318 votes against two other competitors.

Bernard Dankwa followed with 97 and Eric Boateng with only 8 votes.

The total vote count was 1,427.

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The President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on Thursday, January 25 directed all media houses to cease all forms of media coverage on the MP after an attack on a journalist during the vetting of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirants in Cape Coast.

But in a statement issued by her Press Secretary, Kabore Awudu Moro, the Awutu Senya East MP expressed deep concern about the ongoing issue as she “vehemently denies all accusations leveled against her and her associates”.

“Acknowledging the vital role of the media in our democracy, the Minister said she is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty,” the statement added.

The Minister also mentioned that she believes the Ghana Police Service to conduct further investigations into the matter to apprehend the alleged attackers.

The statement also mentioned the Minister’s intention to initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and foster a constructive relationship between her and the media.

READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

Press Release – Urgent Announcement

The Office of the Honourable Minister for Fisheries & Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses deep concern regarding the recent decision by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to blacklist any activities involving the Honourable Minister due to an alleged attack on a journalist during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in Cape Coast.

While unequivocally condemning the reported incident, the Honorable Minister vehemently denies all accusations levelled against her and her associates.

Acknowledging the vital role of the media in our democracy, the Minister is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty.

The Honourable Minister urges the GJA leadership to reconsider the blacklisting decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence implicating her in the incident.

The Minister calls for trust in the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing investigation to apprehend the alleged attacker.

In the spirit of collaboration, the Office of the Honourable Minister will initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and chart a way forward, fostering a constructive relationship between the Minister and the media.

End!

Kabore, Awudu Moro

Press Secretary to Hon. MAVIS HAWA KOOMSON

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This was after he supporters allegedly assaulted David Kobbena, a morning show host of Cape FM during the vetting of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirants in Cape Coast.

According to reports, the thugs mistook him for another person they alleged had insulted the MP, also the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.  

Based on that mistaken identity, a man believed to be a police officer invited the unsuspecting David to a distance and sought to confirm that mistaken identity.  

Mr Kobbena denied it and produced an ID Card of his media house as evidence to support his denial, however, in the process of doing so, someone slapped him from behind and other thugs joined in the assault, beating him mercilessly. 

Mrs. Hawa Koomson has not taken any action about the issue.

Based on this backdrop, Mr. Dwumfour called on the media to blacklist the Minister of Fisheries.

“Colleagues, our call for a total media blackout on Mavis Hawa Koomson is effective immediately and until further notice. We may reconsider it when we see evidence of action by the NPP and the Ghana Police Service to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators” he charged.

The GJA President also called on the Police Service to as matter of urgency probe the matter.

“The Ghana Police Service must expedite the investigation into the assault case and apprehend the perpetrators. The Ghana Police Service must identify and discipline the purported police officer who invited David, while the innocent morning host was beaten mercilessly by these thugs.

We are closely monitoring this case and will periodically update and engage the general public on the matter. We urge all media houses to support our call and ensure its impact is felt. This action is in our collective interest.” he said.

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The attack occurred while Mr. Kobbina, along with other journalists, was covering the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants on Thursday at the Central Regional Coordinating Council.

The victim narrating his ordeal said they were in the company of Hawa Koomson who doubles as the Ministry for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

He revealed that approximately 15 of the attackers were wearing t-shirts branded with the MP’s name.

Some of them confronted him, accusing him of insulting the MP during a live television political discussion on Accra-based UTV.

He was slapped and kicked repeatedly in the abdomen, ribs, chest, and belly.

But a statement issued by Nana Kofi Ntiamoah, the spokesperson for the MP’s campaign team has described the allegations as baseless.

To them, it is intentionally fabricated by her opponents to tarnish her reputation and gain political advantage.

“We categorically reject the claim that individuals associated with our team were responsible for this regrettable act. Mavis Hawa Koomson has consistently advocated for a peaceful and constructive political environment, and our team does not endorse or engage in any form of violence.

“We call on the Ghana Journalists Network and all stakeholders to allow the investigative process to unfold and refrain from premature judgments. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Kwabena, and we hope for his way to recovery,” the statement read in parts.

The team has urged all stakeholders to refrain from making premature judgments and to allow thorough investigations into the allegations.

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Mrs Koomson who is optimistic about her victory in the 2024 election says a win in the primaries is all that matters.

Another term according to her will enable her continue and finish developmental projects in Kasoa and its environs.

The MP who doubles as the Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister made the appeal on Friday when she filed her nomination forms at the constituency office in Opeikuma.

She charged party supporters to remain united so they can break the 8.

Meanwhile, the constituency Secretary, Michael Addy revealed that, two people including the incumbent MP have so far pick and submitted their forms for the election scheduled for January 27, 2024.

He charged party members to embark on clean campaign.

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Kweku Eshun of the Gomoa East District of the Central Region was adjudged the best fisherman at the award ceremony which was held at the Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast.

He was to receive a two-bedroom house to be built at a location of his choice.

But two years on, the Asunafo South Member of Parliament (MP) has indicated the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is now requesting funds to complete the project.

“In 2021, the Best Fish Farmer was to be given a two-bedroom house. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency, the President, and all the state apparatus. 

“Mr Speaker, it was all over the country, that the Best Fish Farmer was going to be given a two-bedroom house. As we speak, the house has not been completed and the Ministry is now asking for GH₵500,000 to be able to complete the building and then hand it over to the best fish farmer,” he stated.

The MP bemoaned the turnout of event clearly shows the government is not committed to rewarding hard work.

“Mr Speaker, this is something that must not be told anywhere. We don’t have to allow this to happen. Somebody had worked very hard to put food on our tables and as a nation, we want to recognise his contribution and we are saying that we are giving you this house; an award. 

“We are now doing the 2024 budget and we are now looking for ₵500,000 to complete the facility and hand it over to the person.

For the part of the Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson, she attributed the delay to a probe into certain allegations which were levelled against the winner.

“There was an issue with that award winner so we took almost eight months to one year to do investigations to make sure that the fisher had no problem before we allowed the construction to go on,” she said.

The Awutu Senya East MP asserted that, the request GH₵500,000 proves a significant progress has been made on the project.

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This follows the implementation of a three-year moratorium on new artisanal canoe entry to take effect from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026, for the artisanal sector.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Mavis Hawa Koomson, who announced this at a news conference in Accra Thursday, said no canoes were expected to be constructed and brought into the system for the next three years.

With the slogan “Pause, No New Canoes Now”, the moratorium is to enable the government to regulate the increasing canoe fleet to control fishing effort.

It is ultimately to aid in the sustainable management and rebuilding of the country’s small pelagic stocks.

It is also to help the government to make informed management decisions concerning the welfare of small-scale fishermen while safeguarding their future.

To ensure smooth implementation of the moratorium, Ms Koomson said all existing and newly constructed canoes were to be registered and embossed with numbers in compliance before the implementation period.

In Ghana, the fisheries sector is made up of the artisanal, semi-industrial and industrial, with the marine artisanal fisheries sub-sector contributing up to about 80 per cent of total annual pelagic catch.

However, due to activities of artisanal fishermen which had contributed to overcapacity, overfishing, low productivity and low profitability in the marine fisheries sector, the small pelagic stocks are on the verge of collapse.

To save the situation, the government has introduced certain measures, including a closed season for all fleet, ban on Saiko, introduction of new trawl gear directive, reduction in fishing days for trawlers, improved licensing regime for semi-industrial vessels, piloting of electronic monitoring system on trawlers, and establishment of co-management structures such as small pelagic co-management committees.

But the Minister said those measures were not enough.

The current situation

With the current open access regime, the canoe fleet, Ms Koomson disclosed, had increased from 8,000 in 1990 to over 12,000 in 2023, although the small pelagic fish landings, considered the backbone of the artisanal sub-sector, had decreased from 119,000 metric tonnes in 1990 to 20,000 metric tonnes 2022.

“For instance, annual landings of the Sardinella Aurita declined from 119,515 tonnes in 1992 to 11,834 tonnes in 2019, representing 9.9 per cent of its largest recorded landings.

Indeed, our scientists have informed us that a stock is considered collapsed when it reaches 10 per cent of its highest yields, and have, therefore, concluded that the Sardinella Aurita has collapsed,” she said.

The decline in landings of the small pelagic fishes, the minister said, was affecting the livelihoods of over three million people along the value chain.

“Can you imagine our staple meals without, ‘abobi’, ‘eban’ and ‘saman’?

Not only are these fishes relatively cheaper and affordable, but they are also highly nutritious, and the collapse of these valuable fishes will have socio-economic impact on the country,” Ms Koomson stated.

Extensive engagement

She said the introduction of a moratorium on new entrants for canoes was, therefore, a new measure that the government was pursuing, and that “this is simply a pause on new entrants of canoes in the sector”.

The moratorium, the minister said, would be reviewed annually.

The ministry and the Fisheries Commission, over the past two years, she said, had extensively engaged all stakeholders, including boat builders and carvers, traditional authorities, relevant government ministries and agencies, at community, district, regional and national levels on the policy.

Ms Koomson called for maximum support from fishermen and stakeholders, saying the effort would contribute to rebuilding of stock to the benefit of the fishermen through good catches, and to save the sector from collapse.

The Fisheries Minister said although no new canoes would be allowed into the system, fishermen could replace their broken canoes following certain guidelines.

“You need to send a formal notice through your chief fisherman to the Fisheries Commission before you can replace it,” she said, assuring that such replacement would be done in an expeditious manner to prevent fishermen from losing their livelihoods.

Fishermen pleased with directive

Welcoming the directive of the ministry, the acting President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Nana Joojo Solomon, indicated that the fishermen were faced with the issue of overfishing because there was overcapacity in the industry.

 “We haven’t said no canoes will come again, but for now, it is a break; no more canoes.

The canoes are becoming plenty,” Mr Solomon said.

He urged all to adhere to measures put in place by the government to improve their livelihoods, and further commended the ministry for the construction of more landing sites.

The President of the Ghana Inshore Fishermen Association, Joseph Nii Armah Quaye, appealed to the ministry to continue educating fishermen on the effects of the moratorium, saying that would make the implementation easier.

Mr Armah commended the minister for the closed season, saying they were impressed with the bumper fish harvests, and urged all to desist from illegal fishing practices.

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The Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament insists that Dr Bawumia has worked with President Akufo-Addo actively in government and has the upper hand to lead the party’s quest to ‘Break the 8’.

According to her, Dr Bawumia as Vice President has worked tremendously and his footprints are there for all to see.

Speaking in an interview with Citi TV on Tuesday, September 12, Madam Koomson thus rallied for all NPP faithful to support him to win the November 4 presidential primaries. 

“Dr. Bawumia is the only one who can break the ‘8’. He has worked with President Akufo-Addo for the past eight years. He knows where we started from and where we are now so he has a story to tell. Apart from Dr. Bawumia, nobody can tell the story of the government, and that is why we are all supporting him,” she said. 

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, came first in NPP’s Super Delegates Congress.

This was after 10 candidates picked up forms to contest the presidential primaries scheduled for November 4.

After the collation of 17 out of the 17 polling centres across the country, the Vice President polled 68.15% of the total votes cast, followed by the MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong who garnered 14.3% of the total votes cast.

Former Trades Minister, Alan Kyerematen came third with 10.29% of the total votes cast, and former Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came fourth with 3.90%.

There was however a tie as Francis Addai Nimoh and former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, both got 0.98 per cent of the total votes cast.

The two were thus scheduled to go for a run-off on Saturday, September 2.

However, the National Council said they will constitute an electoral college made up of the National Council to break the tie between Mr Agyarko and his competitor Francis Addai Nimoh.

This did not go down well with Mr Boakye Agyarko who formally withdrew from the race.

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Madam Koomson, who doubles as the MP for Awutu Senya East Constituency, took over the streets in Zongo communities and distributed goodies.

She personally gave out food and drinks to hawkers who lined up in their numbers for their fair share.

The MP pledged to be of help to her constituents in relation to vocational employments as well as infrastructural development and security.

She encouraged parents in the Muslim communities to take advantage of Free SHS and educate their children to reduce poverty in the Zongo communities.

In an interview with Adom News, she also entreated muslim youth to take skill training seriously in the absence of white colour jobs after school.

She also appealed to the people of Kasoa to work hard to redeem the image of Kasoa.

Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality often dominates the media landscape over criminal activities.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News, madam Koomson pledged she will do everything within her power to stabilise Kasoa and redeem its image.

Madam Koomson disclosed this when she inspected the progress of construction work at the Central East Regional Police headquarters with the Commander DCOP David Eklu.

The MP revealed the project was self-funded and pledged commitment to strengthen security within Kasoa and its environs.

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Meanwhile, the contractor of the project, George Amade, said they were working hard to complete the project by the end of December and hand it over by February 2024.

Miss Koomson married his sweetheart, Snow Gaisie in a classy ceremony on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

This follows their star-studded traditional marriage ceremony on Friday, February 3, during which Ama impressed fashion critics with her outfits.

The ceremony was witnessed by President Nana Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Chief of Staff; Frema Akosua Osei Opare, her mother, Hawa Koomson who doubles as Minister of Fisheries among several political figures, family and well-wishers.

Ama, just like her traditional ceremony, did not disappoint with her wedding gown which left many in awe.

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The lovely moments from the ceremony were shared on Instagram by live_weddings_with_kwaku.

The groom also wore a two-piece white and black suit with designer shoes while dancing with his beautiful bride.

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A post shared by LIVE WEDDINGS WITH KWAKU (@live_weddings_with_kwaku)

Madam Frema Opare, together with the President, supported the couple to cut their cake.

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A post shared by LIVE WEDDINGS WITH KWAKU (@live_weddings_with_kwaku)

The mother of the bride who also understands the assignment dazzled in pink Kaba and slit lace outfit with a fascinator to match.

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A post shared by LIVE WEDDINGS WITH KWAKU (@live_weddings_with_kwaku)

This follows a directive from the President, Nana Akufo-Addo through his Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, on the back of the former’s resignation two weeks ago.

At a ceremony on Tuesday, Dr Akoto Afriyie introduced Madam Koomson to the board of directors of the Ministry.

He urged them to continue with their excellent teamwork to improve productivity and achieve organizational goals as he wished Madam Koomson well in her new role.

Hawa Koomson, who is the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, will act as a caretaker until a substantive minister is appointed by the President.

The former Minister of Trade and Industry submitted his resignation letter to the President on Friday, January 6, 2023, and formally declared his intention to contest the NPP flagbearership race.

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He announced he will pick the form when nominations are opened by the party.

Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament (MP), Mavis Hawa Koomson, has described most youth at Kasoa which falls under her constituency as being lazy.

The situation, according to her, has pushed prospective investors away as it will be difficult for a business to thrive in the area.

Mrs Koomson, who doubles as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, revealed this on Badwam’s People’s Cry forum on Adom TV.

This was in response to what efforts she had undertaken as MP to promote development and reduce unemployment in the area.

“It is challenging here in Kasoa for a private person to put up a structure and run a business because there are no lands. Aside from this, let me affirm that many of our youth here are very lazy. Sometimes when we are constructing projects here, we invite them to involve themselves since there are no formal jobs but they refuse to.

“But these persons will come to you complaining I don’t have food or money to survive. So, laziness is one of the key factors,” she stated.

The MP, however, was quick to add there are a few who have over the years exhibited zeal and commitment to work and have been provided with the necessary support.

“Those who have the zeal to work, we support when they avail themselves. Some of them come and they need just GHC500 or GHC1,000 for a startup business, we help because getting a formal sector or factory job for that person will be difficult.

“So if you are willing to start selling merchandise and you only need small push, why not, I can help you,” she told show hosts, Omanhene Kwabena Asante and Akwasi Nsiah.

Mavis Hawa Koomson says the Ministry has developed and deployed a new software for the deployment of premix fuel in the country.

According to her, the new technology will help promote the efficient management of the commodity.

Responding to questions in Parliament last week, she said the new system allows her office to track the movement of premix fuel across the country.

“Now we are coming with a more efficient one [technology]. When I am even in the office, I can see the truck that is loading and the quantity that will be in the tank and whenever a fisherman draws premix fuel from the dispenser, I will know,” she said.

Premix fuel smuggling is still a major issue in Ghana.

Recently, the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana bemoaned the erratic supply and mismanagement of the product.

The fishers said the incessant premix fuel diversion and the mismanagement of the distribution of the product have become alarming.

At a news conference in Sege in the Greater Accra Region, a national executive committee member of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana, Daniel Ameduameh Sotie, called on the President to step in and ensure an adequate supply of premix fuel to the landing beaches.

“With the increased fuel prices, fishermen cannot afford the Super XP and engine oil as substitutes for the premix fuel, which has been the case in the past. It is most unfortunate that fishers who are expected to observe a month-long closed season in July cannot go fishing now because we cannot get the premix fuel,“ he stated.

Mr. Daniel Ameduameh Sotie further stated that they look forward to the planned automation of the distribution and sale of premix fuel by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to bring relief to the fishermen.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has vowed to deal with some members of the Premix Committee over fuel theft.

According to her, most of the members divert the fuel meant for fishermen creating shortage.

Fishermen are up in arms with government over shortage of premix fuel. They claim shortage of fuel for three months is affecting their business.

Reacting to this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Hon. Hawa Koomson said some members of the Premix Fuel Committee divert the fuel for their own selfish interests.

“The premix fuel is not enough for all of them and so what we do is that instead of loading 30 to 40 trucks of premix fuel for allocation, we load just 10 trucks every day.

“What hurts me most is that even after loading the 10 trucks for one community, these committee members hide in the bush and divert the fuel,” she bemoaned.

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The Fisheries Minister said she has videos and pictures of committee members involved in the act and will soon give the evidence to the police for their arrest.

“I am coming after all those involved in this theft. I have videos and names of those who are diverting the fuel. At the right time, I will cause their arrest very soon. I won’t sit down for them to disgrace my Ministry” she fumed.

Ho. Hawa Koomson pledged her commitment to ensure a fair distribution of premix fuel across the country.

The event which was full of glitz and glamour took place on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

The peach-white-themed event took place at the Teshie Methodist Church, Accra and swiftly followed with a grand reception.

The Vice President, Dr Bawumia and his wife, Samira together with other high-profiled personalities and well-wishers graced the occasion.

This comes on the back of a colourful traditional wedding ceremony that took place on New Year’s eve at a private venue in Accra.

Madam Koomson’s son, Ato, married his sweetheart, Jasmine Akortus, in a glamorous ceremony on Saturday, January 8, 2021.

This follows their traditional wedding ceremony which took place on New Year’s eve at a private venue in Accra.

Amid the joyous moment, Dr Bawumia took to the floor to dance with Jasmine.

Basking in the euphoria, the duo danced to Nigeria artiste, Teni’s Case track to the admiration of guests.

The MC, who was impressed with their act, called on all interested parties to join in the dance.

Watch the video below for more:

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Mr Ato Koomson married his sweetheart, Jasmine Akortus in a glamorous traditional wedding ceremony which took place on New Year’s eve at a private venue in Accra.

Scenes from the event captured rich and diverse Ghanaian culture; a combination of Ashanti and Northern cultures.

The star-studded event saw dignitaries from various sectors grace the occasion. Proud mother, Hawa Koomson was dressed in her Kente to support her son.

The white wedding of the couple is slated for Saturday, January 8, 2022.

More photos below:

Though she did not give any timelines, she stated all she needs is land from the traditional authorities.

Madam Koomson, who is also the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, made the promise when she donated a 4×4 Toyota pickup and motorbike to the Kasoa Police District Command.

The gesture, she explained, is aimed at assisting the Police to deal with security challenges within their areas of operation.

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In addition, the MP announced the installation of 1,000 street lights across all electoral areas in the constituency.

The installation, according to the MP, forms part of the Operation Let There Be light initiative in the area.

The Central East Regional Command was created about two months ago by the Police Administration.

It was carved out of the Central Regional Police Command to enable the police to effectively combat crime.

Since the creation of the new region, almost 200 personnel have been deployed to fight crime in the region.

The Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, and some members of the Police Management Board in September toured the area to interact with personnel on the ground to assess the effects of recent security operations in the area.

At a press briefing on Sunday, the Minister noted that a New Fisheries Act is being drafted to replace the existing Act.

According to her, a new National Fisheries Management Plan is also underway since the previous one expired in 2019.

Also, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, which was developed in 2008, will be reviewed.

These revisions, she explained “are to ensure that the management of the fisheries resources meets emerging trends in fisheries management and international best practices.”

While acknowledging that the fisheries sector is riddled with many problems, Madam Koomson called on stakeholders, including the media, fisherfolk and the citizenry, to help the Ministry clamp down on illegal fishing.

According to her, it is the only way to safeguard the country’s shores for the next generation.

She further revealed that the government is acquiring four boats to help the security agencies guard the marine life.

She also added that the security personnel will ward off fishers who aim to exploit the country’s sea waters illegally.

“The four patrol boats will be deployed in each of the four coastal regions; Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Western Regions, for frequent inspection at sea, offshore and for prompt response to detecting infringements at the VMS centres,” the Minister explained.

Mavis Hawa Koomson, who described herself as a “record breaker”, said the feat chalked was due to hard work and relationship with constituents.

Awutu Senya East, which hitherto was the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), was snatched by the NPP in 2012.

Mrs Koomson, then the Constituency Women’s Organiser of the NPP, faced off with her NDC male counterpart and defeated him in a landslide victory.

Since then, she has surmounted both external and internal pressures to retain the seat for the NPP.

“I have been a faithful servant to the people of Kasoa and its environs that is why they have retained me,” she stated in an exclusive interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday.

Mrs Koomson, now the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, is hopeful of winning the Awutu Senya parliamentary seat in 2024.

“I have improved the socio-economic conditions at Kasoa and I’m hopeful they will honour me again in 2024,” she added.

Though she says she still misses the outfit because she has unfinished business, she is confident she did a good job while serving in the portfolio.

She made the disclosure on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Tuesday as she touts her achievements.

“I beat my chest for the good work I did at the Special Initiative and Development ministry. I had a good time there with a lot of achievements. I really worked and I pat myself on the back,” she said.

Detailing some of their achievements, Madam Koomson noted: “We finished about 42 of the one District one Warehouse projects out of 50 across the country. The one village one dam was another project people were satisfied with and even requesting for more.”

One thing she described as her greatest achievement was the one ambulance per constituency nationwide.

“I hold my head up high when I see the ambulances in town. For all the ambulances too, we bought spare parts that can last for about two years so everything was well catered for,” she touted.

The ministry was set up in President Nana Akufo-Addo’s first term to formulate and coordinate policies, plans and programmes for the implementation of governments’ priority initiatives and constituency-specific projects.

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This was under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) through the three Development Authorities.

Through IPEP, each of the 275 constituencies has been allocated the cedis equivalent of USD $1 Million to finance priority infrastructural projects.

However, the ministry was scrapped in the second term with Mrs Koomson who is also the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East re-assigned.

Police have dropped charges against Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, for firing gunshots at a polling station during the 2020 voters registration exercise.

All the suspects involved have been acquitted and discharged by the court for want of evidence.

The MP, who is also the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, disclosed this in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Tuesday.

On Monday, July 20, 2020, during the voters’ registration exercise, the MP fired a gun at the Steps to Christ Registration Centre.

Mrs Koomson said her action was borne out of self-defense – an explanation many Ghanaians did not accept.

Police in the Central Region retrieved the gun as evidence for investigations and subsequently proceeded to court.

However, Mrs Koomson said the police did its best but could not get enough evidence during the investigations.

The former Special Development Initiative Minister expressed remorse for the act, explaining that it was in self-defence when she felt her life was in danger.

Mrs Koomson added that given the same opportunity, she will not fire a gun in public.

The MP also used the occasion to officially commence a gala competition where 32 teams in the constituency will fight for one trophy.

The competition will be played on a league basis and will last for three months.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the MP’s Cup, Mrs Koomson noted that she is using football as a social cohesion tool to fight crime in the enclave, which is noted to have a lot of criminal activities.

“I am happy to have seen a lot of people here, particularly youth. This is because my constituency is noted for a lot of crime, but I believe using the game of football as a social cohesion tool to fight crime is great and will help my constituents,” she said.

“I believe this tournament will raise the name of Kasoa higher; 32 teams will be engaged in the game of football for three months and in the end, one person will be crowned the overall winner of the tournament and an ambassador of peace,” the MP added.

The MP indicated that the astroturf has come to serve the community irrespective of party colours and also to nurture football talents in the constituency.

“One thing I like in football is that there is so much discipline in it, and I believe this astroturf pitch will bring discipline among the teeming youth of Kasoa. It will be my biggest dream to also see some of the players at this tournament in the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars, at the end of the competition. I want to emphasise that this astroturf pitch is for all, irrespective of your party colour,” the MP said.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yusif, who was there to grace the occasion, said it is the government’s agenda to nurture fresh talents, hence the need to build more of such facilities in the communities to nurture fresh talents.

“I have had the privilege to commission many of such facilities across the country, and this is the agenda of government to nurture fresh talents for our national teams. We are not just focusing on football, but all other sports. As we are preparing ourselves to host the 2023 African games, some of these pitches will be used as a training ground, so it has come to serve its purpose,” Mr Yusif said.

In an interview with JoyNews after the reopening ceremony at Sekondi Fishing Habour on Saturday, Madam Koomson explained that the decision is to serve as punishment for the fishermen to stop illegal fishing activities.

The Minister further stated that since the fishers refused to accept her campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities when she visited on Tuesday, June 27, it is important her outfit keeps them in check for some time.

“After my presentation on Tuesday, they said I said, they should stop the Saiko and light fishing which they were not happy with and so I should reverse that statement and I said no. I wasn’t ready and so they said if I am not going to reverse, I should take back the items I brought for them and I did.

“Now they are begging, they have come to apologise, I am told they had a press conference, one of the chief fishermen is here to apologise but we still have to punish them for that I will not hide it,” she added.

She noted that the fishers will be refused premix fuel and other logistics they need from the government for their fishing expedition for some time until they are willing to comply with the directive of legal fishing.

National Best Fisherman 2019, Joseph Hemans Asmah, who represented the fishing community at Elmina appealed to the sector minister to temper justice with mercy.

He explained to JoyNews that those involved are not fishermen but people he described as ‘guru boys.’

“The fishermen were sitting down patiently waiting to hear from the minister but the guru boys they did that so I have to be here and apologise.

“If the woman says she won’t give us premix where will we get premix? If the woman says she won’t give us outboard motors at control price where will we get some to buy? Whenever we are in need and we go and she closes her door to us those who did it, won’t feel it,” he said.

Hawa Koomson, together with executives of the Fisheries Commission ‘stormed’ Keta to symbolically commence the ban on fishing activities, and admonish residents to abide by the regulations.

The initiative was kicked off with a dramatic symbolization from Hawa Koomson who wielded a huge wooden key to ‘lock the sea’.

In videos making rounds of the event, Hawa Koomson could be seen turning the wooden key in an anti-clockwise motion amid cheers and incantations from traditional elders who were present to observe the ceremony.

The intent is to ensure a bumper harvest for the next fishing season by giving aqua species space and time to nurture.

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This was after a stakeholders’ engagement with fishers at Denu and Keta, an agenda of the Minister’s three-day working visit to the Volta Region.

She also paid a courtesy call on Municipal Chief Executives for the respective assemblies; Elliot Edem Agbenorwu and Godwin Yao Effah.

Watch video of Hawa Koomson locking the sea below:

According to Madam Koomson, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, this is to help present the people for medical checkups.

She made the call during a media briefing after she visited the Osu-Castle beach on Tuesday.

“I want to use this opportunity to plead with the community that if anyone has taken or consumed the fish please own up, so we can address any problem that may arise out of the consumption.

“Please cooperate with us and own up, so we can monitor you to know your health situation. If there are some in the market, please let us withdraw them. We are doing our best to know what caused that situation,” she appealed.

This comes after some dead dolphins were found at the shore of the Osu-Castle Beach.

A similar incident also occurred at the shore of Axim-Bewire and Keta where other sea mammals were sighted in the past few days.

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According to reports, these dead dolphins were believed to have swallowed some unknown poisonous substances.

The chiefs and people of Axim Brewire have since called on the relevant stakeholders to investigate the current situation immediately to determine the cause of the problem and prevent any further occurrences of that nature.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries has given the assurance that the cause of these recent happenings will be unraveled within the shortest possible time.

According to Prof Gyampo, he was taken aback by the number of votes she obtained from Members of the House.

“I was a bit surprised and maybe my own coining I think that Hawa Koomson benefited from what I refer to as political grace that was what led to the kind of vote that she had,” he said.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Ghana Connect, he said he generally has issues with the essence of vetting in the discourse of countervailing authority in any Parliament.

“Must it always be that everybody nominated must be approved? We must know that if all nominees must always be approved at all costs then the whole exercise of vetting is a waste of time and a needless financial loss to the state,” he stated.

He indicated that the 2020 Parliamentary results clearly spelt out the tiredness of Ghanaians on the “parliamentary rubber stamp of executive decisions.”

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“It is, therefore, expected that as currently constituted this particular parliament would reassess the parliamentary counter veiling authority known among world democracy,” he added.

Traditional and social media have been inundated with reactions that have largely dwelt on the subject of Madam Koomson’s “English Proficiency” following her vetting.

However, the Council as a primary stakeholder in the fishing industry has described the reactions as misplaced.

”It is worth stating that the banal focus on English proficiency is misplaced and diverts attention from pertinent issues that arose from the exercise.

“As fishermen, our key concern and expectation is how the Minister-Designate intends to tackle niggling issues like Seiko, Light Fishing, the influx of foreign fishing vessels and the need for a foreign vessel to conduct scientific research among others. Thankfully, these and many more were addressed by her,” they said in a statement.

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Admitting Madam Koomson, if approved by the Appointments Committee, will work with technocrats and industry players, they, however, noted the mastery of the English Language was not a sign of competence.

To them, the Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament has a track record that shows she is capable of continuing the good works that were started by her predecessor, Mrs Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye.

“We believe that the President, His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who chose the effective outgoing Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Afoley Quaye has in his wisdom chosen the Minister-Designate to fulfil his vision for the Fishing Industry; having assessed her competence on many fronts, including her performance as Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya Constituency and Former Minister responsible for Special Development Initiatives,” they eulogised.

They have since urged the media to create liberal conversations on how promises in the manifesto of the current government will be executed vis-à-vis the content of the vetting exercise.

The provision of storage was to essentially ensure a continuous flow of agriculture produce, create opportunities along the agriculture value chain and also support the implementation of government’s ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ initiative.

According to her, these completed projects are in good shape and in use in the respective beneficiary communities.  

“Our target was to construct 560 dams because one constituency had no site for the dams. There are about 471 active sites and 427 have been fully completed,” she announced.

The now minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture said this when she appeared before the Appointments Committee, adding that all the projects could not have been carried out within the first tenure.

“There are more than 5, 0000 villages across the Northern Region and there was no way we could finish constructing 5,000 dams in four years. We, therefore, set a target of 10 dams in each constituency,” she explained.

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Touching on the progress of the warehouses, she noted their target was to build 50 warehouses.

“As I speak, 42 have been fully completed and eight others were between 80 and 90 per cent done as of October 2020 when I got a report from the consultant.

“The completed ones include one in Sandema, two in Tamale and two in Techiman. Eight have also been completed in the Western and Western North Regions,” she added.

This was after Madam Koomson, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting.

Her performance and the drama that erupted at the vetting have garnered hilarious reactions on social media.

Without feeling left out, the former Deputy Communications Minister took to his Facebook page to drop series of reactions which have stirred laughter.

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He noted Madam Koomson was not cut for the position, adding that the New Patriotic Party should have a better candidate.

He also added there will be no fish if Madam Koomson is approved..

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Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture on Thursday, February 18, 2021, caused a frenzy with some answers she gave Parliament’s Appointments Committee on her sector.

Her apology was in relation to a shooting incident which occurred in the constituency during the 2020 voters’ registration exercise.

The Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture admitted to firing a gun at a voters’ registration centre in the constituency sometime in July 2020.

Justifying her action, she said she only fired the gunshots when her life was threatened by some thugs alleged to be affiliated to the National Democratic Congress.

She was subsequently invited by the Central Regional Police Command who seized her gun and its license.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, February 18, 2021, Madam Koomson said she wished the shooting incident never occurred.

“Regrettably it was an unfortunate incident and I wish it never happened and I pray it never happens again in the history of our politics in Ghana.

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“I also apologise for those who were scared but it was in defence because I felt my life is in danger,” she said.

Madam Koomson subsequently appealed to the Committee not to comment further on the issue as the police are still carrying out investigations.

Phyllis Koryoo Okunor was said to be on her way home when she realised a car running on to speed towards her vehicle.

Madam Okunor, who was driving alone, said she spotted the suspects from her mirrors and quickly veered off her lane when the car approached her front side.

After the suspects missed her, they rammed into her team members on motorbike, injuring all two in the process.

Madam Okunor, at an emergency press conference, alleged that the suspected assassins were her opponents.

The matter, she said, was subsequently reported to the police and the victims currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Reacting to the reports, New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate, Mrs Hawa Koomson, admitted she was holding a campaign, but denied ever being behind the near-death accident.

She quizzed why she had a smooth operation with her male counterparts, but her female mate is always making accusations of violence.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Michael Yaw Essuman Mensah, however, assured that the Municipality was on top of issues and would deal with individuals who try to foment trouble.

There have been several calls on the President by Civil Society Organisations and other peacekeeping stakeholders in the country to sack the Minister for firing gunshots at the Steps-to-Christ registration centre at Kasoa in the Central region.

However, the President has failed to comment on the issue neither through a press release from his outfit or even during his address to the country on Sunday evening.

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Granting an interview on Accra-based Citi TV, Mr Cudjoe said: “I was thinking that the president, because he was invited to Mali to be part of the peace process which by the way was started by this behaviour, some pretence that something is being done would be heard but I am mortified and I keep saying that the President is a very good friend of mine but I think on this one we are not friends.

“It has become at least 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and a lot more and not a whisper of anything that seems close to suggesting that something ought to have been said.”

“I am sincerely dumbfounded that he [President Akufo-Addo] has not said a word about the issue,” he added.

Mr Cudjoe noted that the President’s posture has made nonsense of the vigilante law signed by the various political parties in the country.