The Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) has entered a new chapter in its history following the election of Mr. Dominic Asamoah Danquah, affectionately called “Mr. Fish” within industry circles, as its new National President. His decisive victory has been described as a turning point for the Association, which is currently facing a range of challenges and opportunities in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Mr. Danquah’s election took place during GITA’s maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM) in nearly two decades, marking a historic milestone for the organization. The AGM, held in Prampram in the Greater Accra Region from Thursday, August 21 to Friday, August 22, 2025, brought together over 40 corporate members and more than 100 individual stakeholders. In a closely contested race, Mr. Danquah secured 22 votes, defeating his main rival, who garnered 11 votes.
The event was officially opened by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, who commended the Association for reviving its AGM after such a long hiatus and urged members to work together for the growth of the industry.
A vision anchored on unity and communication
Mr. Danquah, who also serves as the Managing Director of A.S. Domdanq Limited and Akrafi Fisheries Limited, outlined his leadership vision before the election, stressing that unity and strategic communication would be central to his presidency.
“Unity is our greatest strength. It is our trump card in presenting a united and formidable front for the survival of this industry,” he told delegates in an impassioned speech that drew strong applause from members.
Following his victory, Mr. Danquah emphasized that one of his key priorities would be correcting public misconceptions about the trawling sector. He lamented that the industry has been unfairly portrayed in the media, creating mistrust among Ghanaians.
“Our industry has been unfairly targeted with misinformation, which continues to tarnish our image and negatively affect our members. It’s time for us to correct these misconceptions and ensure Ghanaians truly understand the essential role we play,” he said.
Tackling challenges and reshaping narratives
The newly elected president pledged to “hit the ground running” with his team, promising to address longstanding issues affecting GITA members and restore credibility to the Association.
“We are ready to bring clarity, tackle long-standing injustices, and reshape the public narrative. United in our purpose, we are confident we can chart a more equitable future for all stakeholders,” Mr. Danquah assured.
He added that the fisheries sector is too critical to Ghana’s economy to be sidelined by misinformation. With proper engagement and transparency, he believes GITA can secure a stronger position in national development conversations.
Gratitude to past leaders
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Danquah expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing executives, particularly the immediate past president, Mr. Stephen Adjokatcher, for their dedication and leadership. He also paid tribute to the founding fathers of GITA for laying a strong foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to the past leaders for their sacrifices and leadership. The baton has been handed to a new generation, young, vibrant, and full of energy. We will not let them down. We will build on their legacy while drawing from their vast experience,” he said.
His words resonated with many members present, who welcomed the message of continuity blended with innovation.
A strong executive team to steer the future
The election also saw the formation of a new executive team, which many members believe has the capacity to deliver on the president’s vision. The newly elected GITA executives are:
- Mr. Dominic Asamoah Danquah – President
- Mr. Kojo Ampratwum – Vice President
- Mr. Danny Quaye – Secretary
- Mr. Jerome Selorm Deameji – Financial Secretary
- Mr. Ohene Nana Ampem Kessie – Treasurer
Together, this team has pledged to uphold transparency, accountability, and collaboration in managing the Association’s affairs.
A turning point for GITA
For an Association that had gone nearly two decades without holding its AGM, the 2025 gathering was seen as a moment of renewal. The large turnout of members underscored the appetite for change and reform. Many stakeholders expressed optimism that under the leadership of Mr. Danquah, GITA could reposition itself as a strong voice for the fishing industry, which plays a vital role in national food security and employment.
Industry watchers note that the challenges facing GITA are not small. From regulatory compliance to environmental concerns, illegal fishing practices, and trade-related disputes, the sector is often at the center of heated debates. However, with renewed leadership and a clearer communication strategy, members believe the Association is better positioned to engage both policymakers and the general public constructively.
Looking ahead with optimism
As GITA embarks on this new journey, expectations are high. Mr. Danquah’s strong emphasis on unity, clarity of purpose, and industry rebranding has already struck a chord with members who have long sought a leader capable of bridging internal divisions while championing their collective interests.
In the words of a senior member who attended the AGM, “This election was not just about choosing a new president. It was about giving the Association a fresh chance to rebuild trust, strengthen its advocacy, and prove its relevance in the national fisheries agenda.”
With a new president and an energetic executive team in place, the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association now stands at a pivotal point in its history. Whether the “new dawn” translates into real progress will depend on the ability of the new leadership to balance unity with decisive action, correct public misconceptions, and restore confidence in the industry.
For now, however, the message is clear: GITA is back on track, determined to chart a transformative future anchored in collaboration, transparency, and renewed purpose.
