Seaweed Invasion Cripples Fishing In Three Nzema East Coastal Communities.

Fishing activities in three coastal communities in the Nzema East District have been severely disrupted as an unusual invasion of seaweed continues to choke Ghana’s western coastline.

Communities including Agyan, Akonu Domunli, and Axim are now bearing the brunt of the problem, with fishermen returning from sea with nets filled almost entirely with seaweed instead of fish.

The overwhelming presence of the weed has made fishing nearly impossible, leaving many fishermen frustrated and struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

“We go to sea but only bring back seaweed. It’s making life unbearable for us,” one fisherman lamented.

Beyond affecting their catch, residents say the foul odor from the decomposing seaweed is now a daily health hazard.

The strong, unpleasant smell is said to be causing respiratory discomfort and other health issues among community members.

The situation has left all three communities engulfed in seaweed, both along the shoreline and in the waters, disrupting economic activity and daily life.

Fishermen are appealing to the government, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and environmental authorities to urgently investigate the cause of the invasion and provide support to affected communities.

If the issue persists, it could worsen food insecurity and deepen poverty in the already vulnerable coastal areas.

Meanwhile the Chief fisherman Mr Francis Kworankye also added that they do not know the exact cause of the seaweed.

He used the opportunity to called on government, ministry of Acquah-culture and Ghana National petroleum Corperation (GNPC) to come to their aid and support them.

Story by Bawah Baidoo.