By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown 23rd February 2026– As Sierra Leone observes the closed season for artisanal fishing, fishmongers across the country are grappling with scarcity and soaring prices, leaving many families struggling to afford fish during the holy month of Ramadan.
Three weeks into the ban, fishmongers say business has slowed dramatically, with customers complaining about the high cost of fish. With artisanal fishermen off the waters, traders now rely on cold room supplies, an option they describe as prohibitively expensive.
“Fish is scarce and expensive, and this is the month of Ramadan,” lamented Eleanor Bendu, a fishmonger at Jui. “Other protein alternatives are even more costly. Most people can’t afford to buy fish at 100 leones or more. We cannot sell at our usual prices because we struggle to get supplied.”
Her colleague, Zainab Sesay, echoed the frustration. “If I am not at the cold room storage unit in Jui by 3 a.m., I won’t get any supply. Even when I do, the fish is very expensive. My customers complain because most cannot afford it.”
For some, the situation has become unbearable. Fatmata Koroma explained that only a few fishmongers can afford to buy from cold rooms. “I am struggling to fend for my kids. Business is hard and life is hard for me because I can’t afford to buy fish to sell and make a living,” she said.
Veteran trader Adama Barrie, who has been in the business for a decade, described the overlap of Ramadan and the closed season as “double trouble.” “Fish is the most common source of protein in Sierra Leone, whether rich or poor. But now, not everyone can afford it. On top of that, fuel prices make it worse. Imagine buying fish at an expensive price and paying high transport fares for delivery. So help us God,” she added.
The closed season, intended to protect fish stocks and ensure sustainability, has inadvertently collided with one of the most demanding periods for households. With fishmongers squeezed between high supply costs and customer complaints, the month of Ramadan has become a test of resilience for both traders and consumers.
