The Fisheries Commission has issued a directive to members of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) to submit applications for the renewal of fishing licences for the second quarter of the 2026 fishing year.

In a notice signed by the Deputy Executive Director of the Commission, Prof. Berchie Asiedu, the Commission expressed concern that, as of the date of the correspondence, it had not received any applications from operators, despite the requirement for early submission.

The Commission explained that renewal applications are typically submitted well in advance to enable the Fishing Licence Evaluation Committee (FLEC) to assess and process them in line with established procedures.

It further noted that all first-quarter fishing licences expired on March 31, 2026, making it necessary for operators intending to continue fishing in Ghana’s waters to regularise their documentation promptly.

The Commission has therefore set a deadline of close of business on Thursday, April 2, 2026, for the submission of all renewal applications.

It warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in sanctions, including the delisting of affected vessels from its records of vessels in good standing.

The Commission urged all operators to treat the matter with urgency and ensure full compliance, reiterating its commitment to sustainable fisheries management.

Copies of the notice were forwarded to the Minister and Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, as well as relevant stakeholders within the fisheries sector.