Ghana's Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has made significant strides in transforming the country's fisheries sector since taking office in January 2025. When she assumed office, Ghana's fisheries sector was in crisis, with declining stocks, rising imports, and persistent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Today, Ghana is recognized globally for its reforms, transparency, and enforcement, with the country being cited as a leader in ocean conservation.
One of Minister Arthur's landmark achievements is the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which replaces the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625). The new law strengthens the Fisheries Commission, creates a dedicated Fisheries Enforcement Unit and a Fisheries Development Fund, and toughens penalties for IUU fishing. The Act also doubles the Inshore Exclusion Zone from six to 12 nautical miles, reserving the sea closest to shore for artisanal canoes and pushing out industrial trawlers.
Under Minister Arthur's leadership, Ghana has also made significant progress in protecting its marine resources. In April 2026, the country declared its first Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points, covering 704 square kilometers. The protected area benefits 21 communities and was inaugurated by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Minister Arthur has also reformed the premix fuel distribution system, increasing supplies by 58% in the first half of 2026.
Minister Arthur's international reputation as a champion of ocean conservation and fisheries management has earned her recognition globally. At the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in September 2026, she issued Africa's rallying call for increased aquatic food production and demanded capital, technology, and science for Africa. Ghana's reforms were presented in full detail, and international media reported on the country's newfound leadership in ocean governance.
Ghana's participation in international forums has also been marked by significant achievements. At the 11th Our Ocean Conference in June 2026, Minister Arthur announced Ghana's Marine Protected Area, the 12-mile zone, and US$20 million in Aquaculture Economic Zones. The country has also signed several agreements, including the Mombasa Declaration on Fisheries Transparency and the Ghana-Norway Oceans for Development Programme.
The international community has taken note of Minister Arthur's efforts, with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) International Board unanimously approving Ghana as a FiTI Implementing Country in August 2026. The Board recognized Minister Arthur's "dedicated work" and "personal leadership" in achieving this milestone. Ghana has also launched a three-year WTO Fish Fund project to implement the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement it has ratified.
Minister Arthur's approach to ocean conservation and fisheries management is guided by her philosophy of "people before office, equity before ecology." She has prioritized the interests of artisanal fishers and ensured that Marine Protected Areas benefit local communities. As Ghana continues to play a leadership role in ocean conservation, Minister Arthur's efforts are likely to have a lasting impact on the country's fisheries sector and the global community.
Key points
- Minister Arthur's reforms have transformed Ghana's fisheries sector, earning the country international recognition for its leadership in ocean conservation and fisheries management.
- The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) is a landmark achievement that strengthens the Fisheries Commission, creates a dedicated Fisheries Enforcement Unit, and toughens penalties for IUU fishing.
- Ghana has made significant progress in protecting its marine resources, including the declaration of its first Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points.
