Editorial
Effects of climate change on fishing sector
Dear Editor,
Climate change has been a pressing issue as it reshapes our oceans and threatens marine life and coastal communities who rely on it.
Climate change, which results from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leads to global warming. Nonetheless, the rising sea temperature and ocean acidification, which are some effects of climate change, have had a great impact on fish.
The warming of the ocean and the increased acidity of its waters have disturbed the habitat of marine ecosystems and had an impact on their population.
This has caused alterations in the way fish migrate, the availability of their food, and their overall productivity.
Fish populations, a primary protein source for billions, are migrating to cooler waters for survival, leaving traditional fishing grounds barren and fishermen’s nets empty.
This imposes economic hardship on coastal communities as well as the local economy as it contributes to about some percentage.
In Ghana, fisheries contribute 4.5 per cent to the annual gross domestic product (GDP) and indirectly support the livelihoods of 2.2 million people in Ghana.
This speaks volumes of the effect this global phenomenon is having on people who feed directly on this sector and their dependents.
It has affected fish stock. The little they get is not enough to support their families.
Interacting with a section of these fisher folks, they all appear to be facing the same issues of smaller harvest and catching fingerlings more than the matured ones.
On the market, people find them unattractive and costly. As a result, they end up selling them at low prices, leading to substantial losses.
Some children have dropped out of school because their parents are unable to pay their school fees because of this development.
Clearly, climate change has cast a huge shadow over marine life and coastal communities, altering their way of life.
This is the time for us to see positive outcomes from the many international meetings and workshops trying to find a solution to this.
Gloria Tettey
gloriatettey808@gmail.com
UNIMAC-IJ (Faculty of Journalism)
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
