The government has announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal fishing as part of a broader strategy to restore Ghana’s fisheries sector, protect marine resources and improve food security.
The measures, unveiled by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development during its Mid-Year Media Engagement, form part of the government’s agenda to reset the fisheries sector through stronger enforcement, improved governance and expanded investment in sustainable fishing.
Tougher Measures Against Illegal Fishing
The Ministry says the recently enacted Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) has introduced new measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The legislation establishes a Fisheries Enforcement Unit, creates a Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund, strengthens sanctions against illegal fishing and extends the Inshore Exclusion Zone to 12 nautical miles to better protect artisanal fishers and marine breeding grounds.
The Ministry said the reforms are intended to restore declining fish stocks while safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
Enforcement Capacity Expanded
Government says it has strengthened the operational capacity of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit through improved logistics, surveillance technology and electronic monitoring systems.
According to the Ministry, recent successful prosecutions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring offenders are held accountable.
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Officials described illegal fishing as both an environmental and economic crime that threatens food security, marine biodiversity and the incomes of thousands of fishing households.
First Marine Protected Area Established
As part of efforts to conserve marine resources, government has also established Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points.
The protected area covers about 704 square kilometres, stretching from Ampatano in the Ahanta West Municipality to Domunli in the Nzema East Municipality, and is expected to support the recovery of fish stocks while protecting marine biodiversity.
The Ministry, however, warned that illegal mining activities around the Cape Three Points Forest continue to pose a threat to the marine ecosystem through pollution.
Aquaculture Expansion to Reduce Fish Imports
Beyond enforcement, government says it is accelerating aquaculture development to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported fish.
The Ministry announced the Komfueku Aquaculture Project, which will transform abandoned clay and quarry pits into commercial fish farms through partnerships with the private sector.
It also disclosed that Ghana has issued its first provisional licence for commercial offshore mariculture, paving the way for the farming of high-value marine species.
Building a Sustainable Fisheries Sector
The Ministry says the reforms form part of a broader plan to improve governance, expand aquaculture, strengthen fisheries infrastructure and implement Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy.
Government believes the measures will help restore fish stocks, improve food security, create jobs and build a more sustainable fisheries sector for future generations.
SOURCE: Alhaji Ibrahim Adam
