Edlove Quarshie, R.I.P.

Edlove Quarshie, 2011. Sekondi Fishing Harbour. Photo by Christiane Badgley

Ghana’s fishing community has lost a passionate defender.

Edlove Quarshie, fisherman, activist and officer in Ghana’s Line Hook Canoe Fishermen’s Association has passed away. I heard the terrible news today in Takoradi. I wanted to talk to Edlove about the new drilling operations and learned that he died in Accra a few days ago. There have been seven new oil discoveries in the Western Region in the past months; drilling is now moving full speed ahead at three wells. For the fishermen, this means more no-fishing zones and, possibly, more conflict.

I did not know Edlove Quarshie well, but when we met I was struck by his passion — for fishing, fishing communities and Ghana’s environment. He was generous with his time, always willing to help with information or contacts.

Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, a Programme Coordinator at Friends of the Nation in Sekondi said Qarshie’s voice will be greatly missed. “He was dynamic, motivated and worked hard for the interests’ of the fishing community,” said Yamaoh. Quarshie was active on the oil issue, but that was just a one of his campaigns. He spent most of his time working to educate fishermen about sustainable fishing practices — critical for the survival of Ghana’s fishing industry.

This is a video we did with Quarshie in June. I have much more footage to edit, but it will be hard, knowing there will be no follow-up.

Rest In Peace, Edlove Quarshie.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 at 5:06 pm.