A total of 71 fishermen have been rescued from the sea following a violent robbery by armed gunmen off the coast of Senya Bereku, located in the Awutu Senya West District.
The victims were reported to have being ambushed at sea by unidentified masked gunmen.
The assailants reportedly made away with essential fishing equipment, including several outboard motors and large quantities of premix fuel, leaving the fishermen stranded and helpless in open waters.
The victims described the ordeal as “worrying and pathetic,” noting that the attackers were heavily armed and wore masks to conceal their identities.
Speaking to the media, some of the survivors mentioned that the gunmen were heard speaking a Nigerian language during the assault.
The rescue was a coordinated effort between the Marine Police and local fishermen from the Senya Bereku community.
Hon. Gizella Tetteh, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, confirmed the figures and locations of the rescue.
She revealed that 47 fishermen were rescued and brought ashore at Senya Bereku while 24 fishermen were rescued near Tema.
Disturbingly, the MP also revealed that three minors were among those caught in the attack.
Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin, has assured the victims of full government support.
He stated that the authorities are committed to helping the fishermen recover from the trauma and financial loss.
”The government will support the victims of this attack.
We intend to replace the lost outboard motors and other equipment to ensure these fishermen can return to their livelihoods as soon as possible,” the Minister hinted.
By 1960news.com
