Battle lines have been drawn between the former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, and the Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr Arthur Dadzie, over the renewal of fishing licences for the first quarter of this year.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Krowor Constituency, in a letter she signed as Minister dated January 14, 2021 to the Executive Director, directed the latter to, with immediate effect, withdraw all the fishing licences he had renewed this year.
However, a close source to the Fisheries Commission, who pleaded for anonymity, wonders if the sector still has a Minister.
In sharp contrast, Mrs Afoley Quaye responded in the affirmative, that His Excellency the President has written to all of them to be in acting position until such a time when substantive sector ministers are appointed.
The letter from Mrs Afoley Quaye states: “It has come to my attention that Fishing Licences for the first quarter of 2021 have been issued under your authorisation. You are kindly directed to withdraw all the Fishing Licences affected with immediate effect, and follow the appropriate rules and regulations provided in the Fisheries Act 2002 (Act 625).
“Please be reminded that the role of the Fisheries Commission (FC) in granting approval to the application/renewal for Fishing Licences is to make recommendations to the Minister, who shall, on the basis of the recommendations, issue the licence as provided in sections 2(k) and 70 of Act 625.
“The responsibility of granting fishing licences, as provided in the sections of the Fisheries Act referred above, is vested in the Minister and not FC (i.e. Executive Director). It is also instructive to note that whiles we may be in a transition period, we have been authorised by the President to remain in office as Interim Ministers until the appointment of substantive ministers.
“In the light of these, you are directed to withdraw all the Fishing Licences issued under your signature with immediate effect, and follow due process as provided in the Fisheries Act 2002 (Act 625). You are also to update us with actions taken in connection with the withdrawal of the licences by Monday 18th January 2021.
“By copy of this letter to the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), all fishing companies that have received Fishing Licences received under the signature of the Executive Director of FC, are to be revoked. NAFAG may, therefore, advise its members on this notification.”
When The Chronicle contacted, Mr Arthur Dadzie on phone, he was emphatic that the former MP/Minister had no business being at the office.
Mr Dadzie went on to say that since she was not mandated to be in the office, whatever directives from her have no value, hence, his refusal to comply with her demand for an update by last Monday.
On a question as to if there existed a rift between himself and his former boss, the Executive Director’s reply was in the negative.
The post Afoley, Fisheries Commission in cat and dog fight appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS