By Hassan Juana Koroma
Pujehun District, Sierra Leone — A growing environmental crisis looms over the Solima fishing community in Pujehun District, where local fishermen have accused their Ghanaian counterparts of engaging in harmful fishing practices. The allegations point to the resurgence of chemical use in fishing activities, a practice that not only devastates marine ecosystems but also jeopardises the livelihoods of thousands. Amid denials and counterclaims, this investigative report explores the scope of the issue, the legal frameworks in place, and the urgent need for action to protect the Solima Sea.
The head of the local fishing community, Momoh Sei Kpaka Sulaiman, alleges that the use of toxic chemicals, which reportedly ceased following the tenure of the late Paramount Chief Shaka Massaquoi, has re-emerged.
“We thought chemical fishing had stopped, but now we are seeing the same signs — damaged nets, declining fish populations, and a change in water quality,” Sulaiman explained.
Local fishmonger Messis Sombo Konneh echoed Sulaiman’s concerns, linking dwindling fish stocks to potential marine pollution. “In the past, we could catch abundant fish with little effort. Today, that reality has changed drastically,” Konneh lamented, adding that adherence to traditional bylaws prohibiting chemical fishing is essential to restoring balance.
While health impacts on the community have yet to be formally documented, the allegations raise significant red flags about the ecological health of the Solima Sea.
In response to the accusations, John Toss Kwemena, leader of the Ghanaian fishing community in Solima, categorically denied using chemicals in fishing.
“We know the law. No one should use chemicals; I have never witnessed such practices in our community. We are committed to following Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean regulations,” Kwemena asserted.
His denial underscores a growing tension between the two fishing communities and highlights the need for verified evidence and impartial investigations into the allegations.
Paramount Chief Mustapha Jengeh Massaquoi of Sorogbema Chiefdom acknowledged the historical issue of marine pollution but clarified that no official reports of chemical fishing have been presented during his tenure.
“Our bylaws are clear and strictly enforced to protect land and sea resources. Violators will face serious consequences,” he affirmed.
Francis Z. Ngellay, District Councilor and Chairman of the Fisheries and Marine Committee stressed the role of local governance in marine protection.
“We remain committed to protecting the marine environment. These allegations need a thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable while restoring trust between communities,” Ngellay said.
The allegations of chemical use highlight broader environmental governance challenges in Sierra Leone. Elkeline Tiwoma Kposowa, Program Manager for Fisheries and Marine Resources in Pujehun District, confirmed that pollution concerns have been raised since 2022, with reports of dead fish being discarded back into the sea.
“The Environmental Protection Act of 2022 strictly prohibits the discharge of toxic substances into water bodies. Violators face severe penalties, as stipulated under Sections 54 and 55 of the Act,” Kposowa explained.
Kposowa further emphasised the alignment of Sierra Leone’s legal frameworks with global commitments, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — Goal 6, which focuses on improving water quality, and Goal 13, which addresses climate action.
Paul Bannister, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 's Southern Regional Public Relations Officer, confirmed that complaints of water pollution have increased across Sierra Leone’s southern region.
“We are working to enforce regulations that protect water bodies and marine life. Combating pollution is not just about penalties; it’s about ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations,” Bannister said.
The Solima Sea is a vital economic and food resource for local communities, making it essential to address any threats to its ecosystem. If confirmed, chemical fishing would not only harm marine species but could also contaminate the food chain, affecting human health and destabilizing the local economy.
Environmental experts stress that marine ecosystems are susceptible to chemical pollutants. Toxic substances can lead to fish kills, disrupt breeding cycles, and reduce biodiversity — outcomes that Sierra Leone, a nation already vulnerable to climate change, cannot afford.
To address the situation, stakeholders across the board — including local fishermen, the Ghanaian fishing community, environmental regulators, and traditional authorities — are calling for urgent dialogue and cooperation. Paramount Chief Massaquoi and District Councilor Ngellay emphasised the need for a neutral investigation into the allegations to determine the truth and hold violators accountable.
In addition, environmental advocates are urging the government to:
• Strengthen enforcement of existing bye-laws and national environmental policies;
• Provide training on sustainable fishing practices for all fishing communities;
• Increase monitoring of Sierra Leone’s coastal waters to detect and deter illegal activities;
• Promote cross-community dialogue to prevent conflicts over shared resources.
The Solima Sea’s future depends on collective responsibility and decisive action. The pollution allegations serve as a wake-up call for stricter environmental law enforcement, improved resource management, and stronger community collaboration. As Sierra Leone works to meet its environmental commitments under the SDGs, particularly Goals 6 and 13, addressing this issue is a local necessity and a national priority.
This investigation underscores that protecting marine ecosystems is about more than environmental preservation; it is about safeguardin livelihoods, ensuring food security, and upholding the shared rights of all communities to a clean and healthy environment.
This story is a product of the Green Journalism Fellowship, funded by the European Union in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev). The Fellowship stems from a five-day intensive green journalism training program that equipped journalists with the expertise to report on critical environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and natural resource management, while promoting sustainable development and raising public awareness in Sierra Leone.
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