The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur and the Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee

Ghana Pushes Major Fisheries Law Overhaul to Lift EU Sanctions, Boost Blue Economy

GHANA
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Accra aims to modernize its vital seafood sector, strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing, and ensure sustainable practices to regain full access to the European market.

ACCRA – Ghana is actively preparing a revised fisheries law, a critical legislative effort designed to modernize the nation's vital seafood sector and align it with evolving global standards. This significant move is primarily aimed at addressing the five-year-old "yellow card" sanction imposed by the European Union (EU) over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.

Mrs. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, emphasized that the new legislation is fundamental to Ghana's broader strategy for developing its blue economy. She highlighted its importance in tackling existing weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement within the sector.

Urgency to Lift EU 'Yellow Card'

Ghana received the "yellow card" warning from the EU in 2019 due to persistent concerns about IUU fishing, which has since limited the country's access to the lucrative EU seafood market, placing considerable pressure on local fishers and exporters.

"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," Minister Arthur stated during a stakeholder consultative meeting in Accra.

The revised bill is expected to introduce stricter controls on fishing vessels, enhance data reporting mechanisms, and significantly strengthen penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it will incorporate robust provisions for sustainable stock management and improved protection of marine ecosystems, aiming to bring Ghana's regulatory framework in line with international standards.

Sector's Economic Importance and Future Vision

Ghana's fisheries sector plays a crucial role in the national economy, providing an estimated 60% of animal protein consumed locally and supporting nearly 3 million jobs across its value chain. However, pervasive issues such as illegal industrial trawling, weak enforcement, and dwindling fish stocks have led to struggles for many coastal communities.

Artisanal fishing boats and Chinese trawlers sailing under the Ghanaian flag

Minister Arthur 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 affirmed that the new bill is crafted to align with this vision, ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship, thereby positioning Ghana as a leader in the blue economy.

The Draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which was not initially passed by the 8th Parliament, is now in its final stages. An independent review by a Ghanaian Fisheries Law professor based in Australia will provide the ultimate recommendations before parliamentary approval. Minister Arthur expressed optimism about showcasing Ghana's progress at the United Nations Oceans Conference currently running in Nice (France).

Parliamentary Engagement and Collaborative Solutions

Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, underscored the vital role of stakeholder input in shaping the legislation. "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 urged.

Dr. Jasaw acknowledged the Ministry's efforts in addressing the EU yellow card and called for collective ownership of the new legal framework. He explained that the draft bill had undergone rigorous review by the committee after Cabinet approval, with satisfactory inputs made. He encouraged constructive feedback, emphasizing that "Lawmaking is a democratic process. Argue your case convincingly, and we will consider it."

Commending the Minister's hands-on involvement, Dr. Jasaw urged continued collaboration to "reset Ghana’s fisheries sector for a better future." Stakeholders at the meeting reviewed the latest draft, integrating feedback from the EU, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and local experts, working towards a framework designed for long-term sustainability and international compliance.

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