Ghana Risks Total EU Fish Export Ban by 2026 Over Illegal Fishing — Parliament Warns

Ghana could face a complete ban on fish exports to the European Union by 2026 if immediate action is not taken to clean up the country’s fisheries sector, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture and Cocoa Affairs has warned.

Addressing stakeholders at a fisheries reform consultative meeting in Accra, the Committee’s Chairman, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, revealed that Ghana has already been issued two yellow card warnings by the EU in 2013 and again in 2021 for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. A third strike would result in a red card, effectively cutting Ghana off from one of its largest seafood export markets.

“On both occasions, the country was singled out for yellow card warning for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. If the problem persists by 2026, the country will receive a red card.” This was made known by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Accra

The meeting was convened to solicit final inputs from key stakeholders on a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, now before Parliament. The draft legislation is designed to bring regulatory clarity and enforcement strength to Ghana’s marine and inland fishing operations essential reforms to meet EU compliance standards.

Three Million Livelihoods at Risk

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, emphasized the urgency of the reforms, citing both economic and social ramifications of a potential EU ban.

“Three million people in the country depend on the fishery value chain, a ban would, therefore, have dire consequences.” she noted.

She also pointed out Ghana’s significant share in the EU fish import market, underscoring the potential revenue losses if the red card is enforced.

To fast-track the reform process, she announced that the bill has been laid before Parliament under a certificate of emergency and will be shared with the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for feedback prior to its final passage.

Stakeholder Concerns and Calls for Stronger Enforcement

During the meeting, stakeholders expressed widespread concern over the current state of fisheries governance. Several participants advocated stricter penalties for violations, including prosecuting not merely deporting foreign vessel captains caught engaging in illegal activities in Ghana’s territorial waters.

Legislative Scope and Structure

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which expired with the last Parliament and is now under reconsideration, contains 167 clauses and 170 sections. It addresses a broad range of regulatory concerns including inland fisheries management, aquaculture regulation, IUU fishing, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.

The government hopes that swift passage and implementation of the bill will demonstrate its commitment to global fisheries standards and avert the looming threat of EU sanctions.

As Ghana positions itself as a responsible global seafood exporter, the success of the bill will not only safeguard export earnings but also protect millions of livelihoods dependent on the country’s aquatic resources.

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