New fisheries law to boost sector, lift EU restrictions

By Kizito CUDJOE

The country is preparing a revised fisheries law to modernise the sector and align it with global practices in a move that is hoped to lift the five-year-old yellow card sanction from the European Union (EU) over illegal fishing.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, said the new legislation is a crucial part of Ghana’s broader strategy to develop its blue economy while addressing weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement.

The new bill, she said, will bring the regulatory framework in line with international standards and help to deal decisively with the challenges flagged by the EU.

Ghana received a “yellow card” warning from the EU in 2019 due to concerns about illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The warning has since limited Ghana’s access to the EU seafood market, placing pressure on local fishers and exporters.

Speaking on the sidelines of a stakeholder consultative meeting in Accra, Mrs. Arthur said: “We need to work to immediately get the yellow card lifted, otherwise we risk getting a red card; which means fish from Ghana cannot be exported to the EU market that happens to be the largest market for the fisheries sector”.

She noted that the revised bill is expected to tighten controls on fishing vessels, improve data reporting and strengthen penalties for non-compliance. It will also include provisions for sustainable stock management and better protection of marine ecosystems.

Ghana’s fisheries sector contributes significantly to the local economy, providing 60 percent of animal protein and supporting nearly 3 million jobs across the value chain. But illegal industrial trawling, weak enforcement and dwindling fish stocks have left many coastal communities struggling.

The minister noted that major strides have been made in finalising the Draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which could not be initially passed by the 8^th Parliament.

She also revealed a revised vision for the sector. “A sustainable, well-governed and resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector driven by equity, innovation and strategic investment.”

She stressed that the new bill will align with this vision, ensuring food security, economic growth and environmental stewardship while positioning Ghana as a leader in the blue economy.

Mrs. Arthur also said an independent review by a Ghanaian Fisheries Law professor based in Australia will provide final recommendations before parliamentary approval.

The minister expressed optimism that Ghana could showcase its progress at the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference. “With parliamentary processes advancing, the bill is expected to undergo clause-by-clause consideration before passage,” she added.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, also speaking at the stakeholder meeting, underscored the importance of fisheries sector players’ input in shaping the bill.

“This meeting is particularly important because of where we are in the fisheries sub-sector. We must co-create solutions to manage this critical resource sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations,” he said.

He commended stakeholders for their efforts in meeting international obligations and stressed the sector’s role in national food security.

Dr. Jasaw acknowledged the ministry’s efforts in addressing the EU yellow card issue and called for collective ownership of the new legal framework. He explained that the draft bill, referred to Parliament after Cabinet approval, had undergone rigorous review by the committee.

“We have made inputs we believe are satisfactory, but it is crucial that stakeholders validate these provisions,” he said.

He encouraged constructive feedback, stating: “Lawmaking is a democratic process. Argue your case convincingly, and we will consider it.”

Dr. Jasaw commended the minister for her hands-on involvement in the legislative process, calling it a “demonstration of commitment.”

He urged continued collaboration to “reset Ghana’s fisheries sector for a better future.” Stakeholders at the meeting reviewed the latest draft, incorporating feedback from the EU, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and local experts.

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