Ghana has been admitted as a Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Implementing Country, a status announced by Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur at the 37th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Committee on Fisheries in Rome. The FiTI is an international body that promotes transparency in fisheries management by requiring governments to publish information on fishing licences, vessels, subsidies, and foreign fishing access agreements. This admission is a significant milestone for Ghana, recognizing its efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the management of its marine resources.
Minister Arthur emphasized the importance of fish in Ghanaian life, stating that it is "the bedrock of national food security and coastal livelihood." She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in fisheries management, citing the country's progress in publishing fisheries data through the Ministry's new Fisheries Information System. The FiTI International Board approved Ghana's application in August, following a "professional, participatory, and inclusive" process. This recognition is expected to enhance Ghana's reputation as a responsible fisheries manager.
As a FiTI Implementing Country, Ghana is required to publish its first FiTI report by August 2027, covering the 2026 calendar year. The report will provide detailed information on the country's fisheries management practices, including data on fishing licences, vessels, and catches. Ghana's admission to the FiTI is part of a broader effort to improve transparency and accountability in the country's fisheries sector. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is working to strengthen its regulatory framework, monitoring systems, and enforcement mechanisms.
The Ghanaian government has been working to address concerns about illegal fishing, particularly in the context of the European Union's yellow card warning. The warning, issued under the EU's system for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, remains in place. Minister Arthur has assured that the government is taking steps to address the concerns, including strengthening the Fisheries Enforcement Unit and improving cooperation with international partners.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), is a key component of Ghana's efforts to reform its fisheries sector. The Act provides a legal framework for the management of fisheries and aquaculture, including provisions for stronger maritime enforcement, dedicated aquaculture zones, and an extension of the Inshore Exclusion Zone from six to twelve nautical miles. This move is intended to protect artisanal fishing operations from industrial trawlers operating closer to shore.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture is also working to promote conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The declaration of the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area in April is an example of this effort. The protected area is designed to support the recovery of fish stocks, restore damaged ecosystems, and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities. The Ministry has credited government agencies, researchers, fisheries associations, civil society groups, and development partners for their role in establishing the protected area.
Minister Arthur has called on international partners to support Ghana's efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management. She has emphasized the need for cooperation on research, investment, and fisheries security, citing the country's ten-year Blue Economy Action Plan as a key framework for this cooperation. The plan aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources, while also supporting economic development and poverty reduction in coastal communities.
Key points
- Ghana admitted as FiTI Implementing Country, promoting transparency in fisheries management
- Ghana working to address EU yellow card warning on illegal fishing
- Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture promoting conservation and sustainable use of marine resources
