Workers of China Fujian Fishing (Gh) Limited embarked on a peaceful protest against persistent theft, vandalism, and security threats, which have caused significant financial losses to the company.
They fear the company, known for its extensive tilapia farming operations in the Shai Osudoku District, may be forced to close if the situation does not improve, which would potentially lead to the layoffs of over 500 workers despite several petitions to the Assembly and the various security agencies.
The Public Relations Officer of the company, Mr Daniel Benin, addressing pressmen during the protest, said on January 28, 2025, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured a group of individuals approaching the farm’s waters and cutting eight nets in just 30 minutes.
“Two weeks later, another attack resulted in the destruction of 22 nets, costing the company over GH¢4 million despite engagement with traditional leaders and the community to help address the issue.
The impact of these thefts extends beyond financial losses. Employees have reported increased anxiety and fear, and security personnel of the company have faced direct attacks from locals,” he stated.
He said the company manages over 2,000 cages for fish breeding, a hatchery, a nursery pond, and a fish feed factory, producing approximately 15,000 tonnes of fish and 40,000 tonnes of feed annually.
“On February 3, 2025, security officers were assaulted while attempting to apprehend a suspect; they were attacked with stones, and some CCTV cameras were damaged, escalating the hostility in the area.
The challenges confronting China Fujian Fishing (Gh) Limited could have severe economic and social consequences for the local community. As one of the largest employers in the region, any decline in its operations threatens job security for hundreds of workers and their families,” he added.
Mr Benin highlighted that the farm plays a crucial role in Ghana’s food security by supplying affordable, high-quality fish to local markets. A reduction in production would adversely impact access to protein-rich food, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He called on stakeholders to come to the aid of the company, noting that several petitions to the assembly and the regional security council had proven ineffective.
The Community Youth Chairman of Shai Osudoku District, Mr Joseph Kwesi Awuku, said the collapse of the company would affect the livelihood of the people as that is the only major company in the district.
He noted that there was a need for the government to help address the issues as the youth employment situation has become a major challenge for them in the area.
Mr Awuku said the situation had made it difficult for the management of the company to increase workers’ salaries due to the huge losses in the company’s operations.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
