Emelia Arthur outlines fisheries reforms to boost national food security

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has called for a comprehensive reset of Ghana’s fisheries sector to safeguard national food security and enhance governance. Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) meeting in Rome, the Minister detailed a series of legislative and policy reforms aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Central to this strategy is the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, which provides a modern legal framework to address contemporary challenges in the industry.

During her address, Minister Arthur highlighted Ghana’s recent milestone of becoming a Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) implementing country. This international recognition is expected to boost investor and stakeholder confidence by ensuring that information regarding fishing quotas, license fees, and vessel registries is publicly accessible. By prioritizing transparency, the government aims to eliminate the opacity that has historically hindered the effective management of marine resources and led to various compliance issues on the global stage.

The Minister also emphasized the critical role of artisanal fishers, who provide the primary source of protein for millions of Ghanaians. She noted that protecting the livelihoods of small-scale fishers is a cornerstone of the government's agenda, which includes strengthening maritime enforcement to prevent larger industrial vessels from encroaching on artisanal waters. Arthur stressed that international partnerships and technical cooperation are essential to maintaining the integrity of Ghana's territorial waters and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Despite the progress made, the Minister acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly regarding compliance concerns raised by the European Union. She assured the international community that Ghana is committed to resolving these outstanding issues through rigorous enforcement and continuous policy refinement. The proposed fisheries reset is designed not only to achieve international standards but to ensure that Ghana’s aquatic resources remain a viable engine for economic growth and nutritional stability for future generations.