Two Years of Uncertainty for Family of Missing Ghanaian Fisheries Observer
Samuel Abayateye, a Ghanaian fisheries observer, went missing from a fishing boat two years ago, and his family is still awaiting answers from the authorities.
Abayateye was assigned to the Marine 707, a Ghana-flagged pole-and-line tuna-fishing vessel owned and operated by World Marine Company Ltd. He was reported missing from the boat on October.
Despite repeated requests from Abayateye's family, the Fisheries Alliance, and international organizations, the Ghanaian government has not provided any information about his fate. A DNA test was conducted on a body that washed up near the family home shortly after his disappearance, but the results have not been shared with the family.
The family, along with Ghanaian NGO the Fisheries Alliance and other international organizations, have repeatedly asked the Ghanaian government for answers about Abayateye’s fate, to no avail.
Mongabay reached out to the Ghanaian police for details about the case but did not receive a response. Abayateye, a father of two, remains missing, and his family continues to seek closure.
Author's summary: Family of missing Ghanaian fisheries observer seeks answers.