Fisheries Ministry engages industrial trawler operators - Warns of possible EU red card
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible governance of Ghana’s fisheries sector, warning that continued non-compliance with fisheries regulations could push the country from a European Union (EU) yellow card to a red card under the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing sanctions regime.
She cautioned that a red card would result in a complete ban on the export of fish and fishery products to the EU market, leading to severe revenue losses and threatening thousands of jobs across the fisheries value chain.
Mrs Arthur made these remarks last Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) and the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) in Tema.
Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs were also present.
The meeting formed part of efforts by the ministry to deepen collaboration with industry players, enhance regulatory compliance, and address persistent challenges confronting Ghana’s fisheries sector. It brought together ministry officials, executives and members of GITA and GTA, as well as other key stakeholders in the industry.
Mrs Arthur underscored the strategic importance of the fisheries sector to Ghana’s economy, food security and employment, noting that approximately 60 per cent of the animal protein consumed in the country was derived from fish.
“This means the fisheries sector is critical to our food security, nutritional needs, job creation and economic development. Such a vital sector must be governed with utmost responsibility,” she stated.
She disclosed that Ghana was among only two countries globally, alongside Panama, to have received a second EU yellow card, largely due to weaknesses in monitoring, control, surveillance, inspection and enforcement systems.
“If we fail to act decisively, we risk moving into a red card, which will negatively affect all businesses operating within the sector,” she warned.
Regulations
The minister said the engagement was convened to hear directly from industry players and to collaboratively shape the regulations needed to operationalise the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).
The Act expands the inshore exclusion zone from six to 12 nautical miles to protect artisanal fishers and preserve marine ecosystems.
She noted that the fisheries sector supported the livelihoods of more than three million Ghanaians, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to regulations by all stakeholders.
Mrs Arthur stressed that effective enforcement was non-negotiable, citing countries such as China, Israel and Norway, where fisheries laws were strictly applied.
“If we want a reset and desire sustainable growth, the laws must work in Ghana just as they do elsewhere.
The reason other jurisdictions are attractive is that their laws work,” she said.
She assured industry players of the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
Parliament’s support
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, said Parliament remained open to feedback from industry players, particularly as consultations continue on regulations to fully operationalise Act 1146.
“If the fisheries industry collapses, we all collapse. We need responsible fishers and industrial players to safeguard our oceans,” he stated.
Industry appeal
The Vice-President of GITA, Kojo Dufu Ampratwum, appealed to the ministry to review recent fisheries directives, describing them as detrimental to industrial fishing operations.
Mr Ampratwum said the 30-day limit on fishing at sea, combined with the directive pushing vessels beyond 12 nautical miles, was not workable and was introduced without prior trials.
He explained that most licensed species, particularly those for export, were commonly found between six and eight nautical miles, contrary to assumptions that they were all located further offshore.
He also raised concerns about the gear regime, noting that trawlers were being forced to operate in deeper waters, using nets designed for shallower zones.
According to him, operators should be allowed to adopt gear suitable for deeper fishing.
He cited the 30-day fishing limit as inadequate and called for a review of the fishing days to at least 45 days.
He also underscored the need to reassess the gear specifications and the introduction of evidence-based trials before policy implementation of the Act.
The President of GITA, Dominic Asamoah-Danquah, emphasised that the association was not in conflict with regulators but sought ethical enforcement, continuous engagement, and reforms that protect livelihoods and ensure sustainability.
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