Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, August 21, assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.

The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, introduced bold reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihoods, especially among small-scale fishers.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon. Emelia Arthur was present in Parliament for the approval of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025.

The sector minister revealed to the House that the bill has been revised to reflect Ghana’s commitment to the Blue Economy agenda by harnessing marine and aquatic resources sustainably to support economic growth, social inclusion, food security, and environmental protection.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred, while presenting the committee’s report, noted that the sustainable management, utilization, and exploitation of the fisheries and aquaculture resources require the existence of a robust legal framework that governs fishing activities, regulates resource extraction, and ensures compliance with international and national environmental standards.

He indicated that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute significantly to national development in areas such as job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, gross domestic product contribution, and foreign exchange.

Key Highlights of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025, Act 1146:Independent Fisheries Commission: Establishment of a fully autonomous body to develop, manage, and conserve fisheries and aquaculture resources.

Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Framework: Alignment with international best practices, enhancing Ghana's reputation and securing access to global markets.

Safeguarding Seafood Exports: Protection of over $425 million in annual seafood exports by closing compliance gaps and avoiding trade sanctions.

Stricter Enforcement Measures: Introduces tougher penalties against illegal fishing to restore depleted fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity.

Protection of Fisherfolk: Improved safety, security, and welfare standards for crew and workers on fishing vessels.

Expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ): Extends the IEZ from 6 to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring more catches to sustain the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers and food security.

In May this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture inaugurated the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission with a firm mandate to scale up the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Ghana’s waters.

This development came at a critical time when Ghana faced increased international scrutiny over its fisheries management practices. The European Commission issued a “yellow card” warning to Ghana, signaling the country’s potential classification as non-cooperative in the global fight against IUU fishing.

While the yellow card does not yet carry trade restrictions, prolonged non-compliance could lead to a red card, which would bar Ghana from exporting fishery products to the European Union market.

To avoid such sanctions and restore international confidence, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, outlined a number of decisive actions at the inauguration of the Commission’s new board. These include delisting non-compliant vessels and strengthening enforcement across the industry.

“This is not just an administrative appointment—it is a national calling,” the Minister told the newly sworn-in council. “Our sector feeds millions, employs thousands, and has the potential for economic transformation. We must pursue a sustainable, well-governed, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector that delivers food security, decent jobs, and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, August 21, assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.

The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, introduced bold reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihoods, especially among the small-scale fishers.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon. Emelia Arthur was present in Parliament for the approval of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025.

The sector minister revealed to the House that the bill has been revised to reflect Ghana’s commitment to the Blue Economy agenda by harnessing marine and aquatic resources sustainably to support economic growth, social inclusion, food security, and environmental protection.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred, while presenting the committee’s report, noted that the sustainable management, utilization, and exploitation of the fisheries and aquaculture resources require the existence of a robust legal framework that governs fishing activities, regulates resource extraction, and ensures compliance with international and national environmental standards.

He indicated that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute significantly to national development in areas such as job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, gross domestic product contribution, and foreign exchange.

Key Highlights of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025, Act 1146:Independent Fisheries Commission: Establishment of a fully autonomous body to develop, manage, and conserve fisheries and aquaculture resources.

Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Framework: Alignment with international best practices, enhancing Ghana's reputation and securing access to global markets.

Safeguarding Seafood Exports: Protection of over $425 million in annual seafood exports by closing compliance gaps and avoiding trade sanctions.

Stricter Enforcement Measures: Introduces tougher penalties against illegal fishing to restore depleted fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity.

Protection of Fisherfolk: Improved safety, security, and welfare standards for crew and workers on fishing vessels.

Expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ): Extends the IEZ from 6 to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring more catches to sustain the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers and food security.

In May this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture inaugurated the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission with a firm mandate to scale up the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Ghana’s waters.

This development came at a critical time when Ghana faced increased international scrutiny over its fisheries management practices. The European Commission issued a “yellow card” warning to Ghana, signaling the country’s potential classification as non-cooperative in the global fight against IUU fishing.

While the yellow card does not yet carry trade restrictions, prolonged non-compliance could lead to a red card, which would bar Ghana from exporting fishery products to the European Union market.

To avoid such sanctions and restore international confidence, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, outlined a number of decisive actions at the inauguration of the Commission’s new board. These include delisting non-compliant vessels and strengthening enforcement across the industry.

“This is not just an administrative appointment—it is a national calling,” the Minister told the newly sworn-in council. “Our sector feeds millions, employs thousands, and has the potential for economic transformation. We must pursue a sustainable, well-governed, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector that delivers food security, decent jobs, and economic growth.”

As part of reforms, the Ministry is also preparing to reintroduce a revised fisheries law after the previous legislation failed to gain parliamentary approval. The new legal framework is expected to align Ghana’s policies with international commitments and improve governance within the sector.

Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, Professor Wisdom Akpalu, acknowledged that the fisheries sector has suffered setbacks over the years, making it vulnerable to IUU activities. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms, especially in monitoring, control, and surveillance.

One of the major issues flagged includes illegal transshipment at sea, involving juvenile pelagic species exchanged between industrial trawlers and local canoes—activities that breach both local and international regulations.

The sector minister recounted her meeting at the World Bank Office in Accra to discuss key strategies for advancing Ghana's fisheries sector on Monday.

“We focused on job creation, coastal infrastructure development, and promoting gender empowerment in our coastal communities. I am grateful for the World Bank's commitment to supporting our initiatives and their willingness to collaborate on a shared development vision,” she wrote in a post on Facebook.

She welcomed the proposal for further technical engagement to solidify project plans.

The World Bank's job creation agenda aligns with the Ministry's goals, particularly in developing Ghana's aquaculture industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in coastal areas.

Hon. Emelia Arthur has noted that international partners like Bloomberg and Oceana are supporting the data gathering efforts, which will inform our policy and project planning.

“With increased investment and technical support, I'm confident we can unlock the full potential of our fisheries sector and drive sustainable growth in our coastal regions,” she added.

The government has allocated fifty million Ghana cedis (GHS50m) for the procurement of outboard motors and essential fishing equipment for communities across the country.

This was announced by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, November 21, 2025, during the National Chief Fisherman and Queen Fishmonger Conference at the Accra International Conference Centre.

"This year, 50 million Cedis has been allocated for procurement of outboard motors and fishing inputs for fishers and fishmongers. My administration has taken decisive steps to develop a sustainable, modern fishery sector rooted in science, tradition, and community participation."

"Extension of the inshore exclusive zone from six nautical miles to 12 nautical miles to protect artisanal fishers. Enhanced penalties for IUU fishing and related offenses. A strengthened co-management framework that places chief fishermen and queen fishmongers at the heart of decision-making." he stated.

The president also hinted at plans to launch an initiative for clean beaches which will involve the fishers.

"We're going to employ people to clean the beaches and make sure that our beaches are clean. You can give us your children. We will employ them to help clean the beaches for us, and we'll pay them a monthly allowance," he mentioned.

The President further revealed, “The third is our national blue economy strategy. Our forthcoming strategy is built on six key pillars: blue wealth, blue health, blue knowledge, blue finance, blue equity, and blue safety and security. This will harness Ghana's coastal resources for sustainable and inclusive national growth.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, August 21, assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.

The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, introduced bold reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihoods, especially among small-scale fishers.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon. Emelia Arthur was present in Parliament for the approval of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025.

The sector minister revealed to the House that the bill has been revised to reflect Ghana’s commitment to the Blue Economy agenda by harnessing marine and aquatic resources sustainably to support economic growth, social inclusion, food security, and environmental protection.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred, while presenting the committee’s report, noted that the sustainable management, utilization, and exploitation of the fisheries and aquaculture resources require the existence of a robust legal framework that governs fishing activities, regulates resource extraction, and ensures compliance with international and national environmental standards.

He indicated that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute significantly to national development in areas such as job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, gross domestic product contribution, and foreign exchange.

Key Highlights of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025, Act 1146:Independent Fisheries Commission: Establishment of a fully autonomous body to develop, manage, and conserve fisheries and aquaculture resources.

Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Framework: Alignment with international best practices, enhancing Ghana's reputation and securing access to global markets.

Safeguarding Seafood Exports: Protection of over $425 million in annual seafood exports by closing compliance gaps and avoiding trade sanctions.

Stricter Enforcement Measures: Introduces tougher penalties against illegal fishing to restore depleted fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity.

Protection of Fisherfolk: Improved safety, security, and welfare standards for crew and workers on fishing vessels.

Expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ): Extends the IEZ from 6 to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring more catches to sustain the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers and food security.

In May this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture inaugurated the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission with a firm mandate to scale up the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Ghana’s waters.

This development came at a critical time when Ghana faced increased international scrutiny over its fisheries management practices. The European Commission issued a “yellow card” warning to Ghana, signaling the country’s potential classification as non-cooperative in the global fight against IUU fishing.

While the yellow card does not yet carry trade restrictions, prolonged non-compliance could lead to a red card, which would bar Ghana from exporting fishery products to the European Union market.

To avoid such sanctions and restore international confidence, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, outlined a number of decisive actions at the inauguration of the Commission’s new board. These include delisting non-compliant vessels and strengthening enforcement across the industry.

“This is not just an administrative appointment—it is a national calling,” the Minister told the newly sworn-in council. “Our sector feeds millions, employs thousands, and has the potential for economic transformation. We must pursue a sustainable, well-governed, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector that delivers food security, decent jobs, and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, August 21, assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.

The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, introduced bold reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihoods, especially among the small-scale fishers.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon. Emelia Arthur was present in Parliament for the approval of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025.

The sector minister revealed to the House that the bill has been revised to reflect Ghana’s commitment to the Blue Economy agenda by harnessing marine and aquatic resources sustainably to support economic growth, social inclusion, food security, and environmental protection.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred, while presenting the committee’s report, noted that the sustainable management, utilization, and exploitation of the fisheries and aquaculture resources require the existence of a robust legal framework that governs fishing activities, regulates resource extraction, and ensures compliance with international and national environmental standards.

He indicated that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute significantly to national development in areas such as job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, gross domestic product contribution, and foreign exchange.

Key Highlights of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025, Act 1146:Independent Fisheries Commission: Establishment of a fully autonomous body to develop, manage, and conserve fisheries and aquaculture resources.

Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Framework: Alignment with international best practices, enhancing Ghana's reputation and securing access to global markets.

Safeguarding Seafood Exports: Protection of over $425 million in annual seafood exports by closing compliance gaps and avoiding trade sanctions.

Stricter Enforcement Measures: Introduces tougher penalties against illegal fishing to restore depleted fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity.

Protection of Fisherfolk: Improved safety, security, and welfare standards for crew and workers on fishing vessels.

Expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ): Extends the IEZ from 6 to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring more catches to sustain the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers and food security.

In May this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture inaugurated the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission with a firm mandate to scale up the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Ghana’s waters.

This development came at a critical time when Ghana faced increased international scrutiny over its fisheries management practices. The European Commission issued a “yellow card” warning to Ghana, signaling the country’s potential classification as non-cooperative in the global fight against IUU fishing.

While the yellow card does not yet carry trade restrictions, prolonged non-compliance could lead to a red card, which would bar Ghana from exporting fishery products to the European Union market.

To avoid such sanctions and restore international confidence, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, outlined a number of decisive actions at the inauguration of the Commission’s new board. These include delisting non-compliant vessels and strengthening enforcement across the industry.

“This is not just an administrative appointment—it is a national calling,” the Minister told the newly sworn-in council. “Our sector feeds millions, employs thousands, and has the potential for economic transformation. We must pursue a sustainable, well-governed, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector that delivers food security, decent jobs, and economic growth.”

As part of reforms, the Ministry is also preparing to reintroduce a revised fisheries law after the previous legislation failed to gain parliamentary approval. The new legal framework is expected to align Ghana’s policies with international commitments and improve governance within the sector.

Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, Professor Wisdom Akpalu, acknowledged that the fisheries sector has suffered setbacks over the years, making it vulnerable to IUU activities. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms, especially in monitoring, control, and surveillance.

One of the major issues flagged includes illegal transshipment at sea, involving juvenile pelagic species exchanged between industrial trawlers and local canoes—activities that breach both local and international regulations.

The sector minister recounted her meeting at the World Bank Office in Accra to discuss key strategies for advancing Ghana's fisheries sector on Monday.

“We focused on job creation, coastal infrastructure development, and promoting gender empowerment in our coastal communities. I am grateful for the World Bank's commitment to supporting our initiatives and their willingness to collaborate on a shared development vision,” she wrote in a post on Facebook.

She welcomed the proposal for further technical engagement to solidify project plans.

The World Bank's job creation agenda aligns with the Ministry's goals, particularly in developing Ghana's aquaculture industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in coastal areas.

Hon. Emelia Arthur has noted that international partners like Bloomberg and Oceana are supporting the data gathering efforts, which will inform our policy and project planning.

“With increased investment and technical support, I'm confident we can unlock the full potential of our fisheries sector and drive sustainable growth in our coastal regions,” she added.