The chief fisherman of New Takoradi in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, Nana Kow Ackon is demanding compensation from the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) and the Sekondi Naval Command for the role they played during the search for missing bodies when a helicopter crashed in Takoradi on May 8.
According to him, GNPC and the Sekondi Naval Command did not honor their promise of compensating fishermen who will help locate and rescue the helicopter.
Narrating their grievances, secretary to the chief, John Atuabo said the two institutions came to the chief fisherman on 9th May, a day after the crash to inquire if any of their members were aware of the crash.
Members of fishing vessels ‘Ebia Na’ and ‘Boafo Ne Nyame’ with registration numbers 293 and 513 respectively were reported witnessing the accident.
They were queried why they did not rescue members on board.
They answered saying, they were frightened as “it was our first time of seeing such thing happening”.
They were then tasked to join forces with other fishermen along the coast to search for the then missing person with a prize.
John Atuabo said their members were then given fuel cash of GHC 100 each to locate the crash site and find the then missing persons.
“After spending time on high seas, we retrieved a bag with items which belonged to one foreigner on board who was dead. We brought it to the habour and later to the Sekondi Naval Command.”
“Still on the search mission with our other colleagues, we were informed of the missing person washed ashore at Busua. Case closed. Not even a thank you has come from GNPC and Sekondi Naval Command. They think because we are mere fishermen with no educational background so they can cheat us. They have acted as chicken,” he added.
The secretary says they agree they were unable to find the then missing person but expect the two institutions to show appreciation.
John further indicated that “other fishermen who respected and heeded the call of Nana Kow Ackon for his position as the chief fishermen and assisted the mission are demanding compensation on daily basis.”
By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana