Ghana Enacts Fisheries Law to Protect Exports, Avert EU Sanctions – Fisheries Minister

Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, a key legislative step to restore international confidence in the country’s fisheries sector, resolve compliance issues raised by the European Union, and avert potential trade sanctions.

The bill establishes an independent Fisheries Commission to manage, conserve, and develop Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture resources. According to Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, the new law “represents a transformative step toward a sustainable, equitable and economically viable fisheries sector.”

“It addresses critical compliance gaps in licensing, reporting and enforcement, helping to avoid trade restrictions or sanctions, including potential red card penalties if we do not work to lift the EU yellow card,” she said. “This safeguards over 425 million US dollars in annual seafood exports and secures jobs, incomes and national revenue.”

Ghana received a yellow card from the European Commission in 2021 under Article 32 of EC Regulation No. 1005/2008 for non-cooperation in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Minister Arthur warned that failure to lift the card could result in a red card status, which would significantly harm Ghana’s export economy.

The new legislation introduces enhanced penalties and enforcement tools, expands the inshore exclusive zone to 12 nautical miles or a 50-metre depth, and aims to protect critical breeding grounds, benefiting more than 2.7 million Ghanaians who rely on small-scale fishing.

Regulatory Alignment and WTO Ratification

As part of a broader reform agenda, Ghana ratified the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on June 9, 2025. The agreement prohibits harmful subsidies that lead to overfishing and overcapacity.

“Once again, the ministry applauds parliament for supporting this process for the ratification of the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies,” the Minister said.

Enforcement and Monitoring Strengthened

Between January and June 2025, the ministry conducted 265 quayside inspections, exceeding its 159-target, and 210 pre-departure inspections against a target of 175. Four industrial trawler licences were suspended for violations. Real-time electronic monitoring is now active on all industrial vessels, and the ministry has rolled out a fisheries risk assessment dashboard.

“In fact, even this dawn, the operations have arrested people who have been illegally in premix,” the Minister said.

Aquaculture Investment and Blue Economy Agenda

With marine fisheries in decline, aquaculture now contributes just 17.5% to national production. The ministry has prioritised aquaculture development under the 24-hour economy and export acceleration programs, focusing on hatchery infrastructure, feed production, and value chain integration.

Ghana is also working to establish its first marine protected area at Cape Three Points by 2026. The initiative, based on scientific assessments and stakeholder consultations, aligns with the country’s national conservation strategy.

The minister noted that Ghana has formally joined a West African regional body that supports marine conservation.

Premix Fuel Reforms and Transparency Measures

To address inefficiencies and corruption in the premix fuel sector, the ministry has expanded its network of bulk distribution companies from one to six, supplying 14.2 million litres of premix between February and June. Deliveries now go directly from the Tema Oil Refinery to landing beaches, bypassing intermediaries.

A full audit is underway of landing beach committees active between 2017 and 2024. Quarterly financial reporting and oversight systems are being introduced.

“Any financial wrongdoing will be prosecuted,” Arthur said.

Of 157 planned automated premix sites, 42 are now operational, up from 31 in 2024. Each station is equipped with real-time monitoring.

Fisheries College, Enforcement, and Outlook

Construction of the Anomabu Fisheries College will resume following funding approval from the Ministry of Finance. In the second half of 2025, the ministry aims to scale up aquaculture, activate all premix automation stations, and fully implement the new Fisheries Act through stakeholder sensitisation and regulatory guidelines.

The government has also developed a National Blue Economy Strategy and plans to establish a Blue Economy Commission to coordinate policy across fisheries, marine transport, tourism, offshore energy, and conservation.

“We are on a transformational journey, a journey to reset, one that demands innovation, discipline, and collaboration,” the Minister concluded. “Together, we will weather the winds, grow stronger, and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.”

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