The Governing Board of Ghana's Fisheries Commission has established two national-level fisheries co-management committees to promote participatory, science-based, and coordinated fisheries management under the country's new fisheries law. The committees, inaugurated on September 15, 2026, in Accra, are the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) and the Fisheries Management Operational Committee (FMOC). This initiative is supported by the Global Fisheries and Resilience Action (GFRA) under the Inshore Exclusion Zone Enforcement and Transparency (IEZET) Project.
The inauguration ceremony saw members of the FMOC take their oath of office. Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Professor Benjamin Campion, outlined the governance arrangements under the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act. He explained the roles of the Governing Board, the Fisheries Commission, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ghana's fisheries governance framework. This move aims to ensure a well-structured management system for the country's fisheries sector.
Chairman of the Governing Board, Professor Wisdom Akpalu, emphasized the importance of the committees in strengthening science-based and participatory fisheries management. He urged the members to critically assess recommendations that will support sustainable fisheries management in Ghana. The committees are expected to play a crucial role in providing scientific advice and translating it into coordinated operational actions.
The Scientific and Technical Committee, chaired by Dr. Angela Lamptey, is responsible for providing scientific and technical advice to inform fisheries management decisions. Its mandate now includes inland fisheries and aquaculture, in addition to its existing responsibilities relating to marine fisheries. This expansion aims to ensure a comprehensive approach to fisheries management.
The Fisheries Management Operational Committee, chaired by Mr. Daniel Owusu, is tasked with translating scientific and technical advice into coordinated operational action. Its functions include developing annual implementation plans, coordinating among relevant divisions of the Fisheries Commission and other stakeholder institutions, and ensuring consistent institutional representation as required by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025.
Together, the two committees are expected to strengthen the link between scientific advice and implementation. They will provide structured platforms for collaboration among government institutions, technical experts, and fisheries stakeholders. This initiative is a significant step towards sustainable fisheries management in Ghana, ensuring the long-term health of the country's fisheries resources.
The establishment of these committees marks a significant milestone in Ghana's efforts to manage its fisheries sector sustainably. With the support of stakeholders and international partners, the Fisheries Commission is poised to implement effective management practices that will benefit the country's fishing industry and the livelihoods of those dependent on it.
Key points
- The committees will provide scientific advice and translate it into coordinated operational actions to support sustainable fisheries management in Ghana.
- The establishment of the committees is supported by the Global Fisheries and Resilience Action (GFRA) under the Inshore Exclusion Zone Enforcement and Transparency (IEZET) Project.
- The committees will strengthen the link between scientific advice and implementation, promoting collaboration among government institutions, technical experts, and fisheries stakeholders.
