By Eugene Davis
The government has reaffirmed its determination to combat illegal fishing activities and strengthen the regulatory framework in the fisheries sector, as it prepares to introduce the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 to Parliament. The legislation, which will be laid under a certificate of urgency, is expected to play a pivotal role in reversing the European Union’s yellow card warning issued to Ghana.
Ghana was issued a yellow card in 2021 by the EU after being designated a non-compliant third country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Since then, the government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has engaged the EU via the Ghana-European Union Dialogue. These engagements have included the development of an action plan, periodic update reports, and validation exercises.
Appearing before Parliament to respond to questions on measures being taken by her ministry in light of the EU’s warning of a possible red card, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, said Ghana has made significant strides in addressing key concerns.
“We are happy to report that Ghana has made significant progress in resolving issues of concern, particularly those related to regulatory gaps, fisheries enforcement, and traceability,” she told Parliament.
The Minister further indicated that since assuming office, she has held strategic meetings with the EU Ambassador to Ghana and the Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-MARE) to reaffirm government’s commitment to ongoing reforms.
“I am pleased to report that following my assumption of office, I have engaged both the EU Ambassador and the Director-General of DG-MARE to underscore our commitment to complete all pending actions,” she noted. “The introduction of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, is a crucial step in this regard and has been referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and Cocoa Affairs for the necessary review.”
Additionally, she appealed to her colleagues in Parliament:
“I therefore urge all honourable members to prioritise the review and passage of this bill, as it is a key requirement for the lifting of the EU’s yellow card on Ghana.”
The Minister further announced that the government is exploring comprehensive conservation strategies to address emerging challenges in the fisheries sector. Key among these is the establishment of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Greater Cape Three Points area of the Ahanta West Municipality in the Western Region.
These MPAs are intended to encourage fish spawning, protect marine biodiversity, and strengthen resilience to climate change. Additionally, the initiative will support co-management structures, enforce gear restrictions, and intensify monitoring and surveillance to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s intention to integrate scientific research with indigenous knowledge and traditional practices. This approach aims to promote sustainable and culturally appropriate fisheries management strategies while enhancing community ownership and inclusive governance in the sector.
She further disclosed that plans are underway to roll out a new Aquaculture Initiative, which will provide targeted support to institutions and groups to promote aquaculture as a viable and sustainable business venture.
