Minister pledges reforms to tackle illegal fishing

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has pledged to expedite efforts to resolve the European Union’s (EU’s) concerns over illegal fishing activities which have earned Ghana a "Yellow Card." 

The politician and social development consultant said lifting the ban was crucial because the ban significantly impacted industrial fishers, particularly those exporting tuna which contributed nearly $400 million annually to the economy.

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities have earned Ghana a yellow card from the EU. The EU outlined several issues that need resolution for the yellow card to be lifted,” she said.

When she appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament last Wednesday, Ms Arthur said work had already begun in the ministry to address the issue, especially given the involvement of some fishing communities.

She said the government was committed to aligning the country’s fisheries regulations with international standards to restore compliance and secure the country’s seafood exports to the EU market.

The Minister, therefore, called for a review of the Fisheries Act 625.

The bill, which she said was previously submitted to Parliament, had to be withdrawn and reworked to address gaps, particularly in inland fisheries and aquaculture.

“Addressing these challenges is vital to maintain this trade and secure foreign exchange for the country,” she said.

The Minister was responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah, on the EU’s ban on the country, particularly the yellow card.

Background

The EU issued Ghana a yellow card as a formal warning for failing to effectively tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in its waters.

The action stemmed from concerns over the country’s inability to enforce its fisheries laws and curb destructive practices such as Saiko, a form of illegal fishing that involves industrial trawlers targeting small-scale fishers’ staple catches and transferring them to smaller boats for local sale.

This practice has significantly depleted Ghana’s fish stocks, with small pelagic populations such as sardinella, nearing collapse.

In 2013, the country initially received a yellow card which was lifted in 2015 after reforms and policy implementation.

However, these measures were not sustained, leading to a second yellow card in 2021.

The EU has indicated that continued non-compliance could escalate to a “red card,” effectively banning seafood exports to Europe.

Responding to a suggestion on whether to promote solar-powered outboard motors as a viable alternative, Ms Arthur stressed the need for a thorough scientific evaluation before implementing new technologies in the fisheries sector.

“While I am open to exploring advanced technologies such as solar-powered motors, I believe we need to carefully assess their feasibility and benefits,” she added.

Responding to concerns about premix smuggling, she indicated her readiness to explore innovative approaches to ensure proper distribution and eliminate smuggling when approved as minister for the sector.

Blue Economy Commission

The Minister also announced plans to establish a Blue Economy Commission, which would operate alongside the existing Fisheries Commission and Premix Secretariat under the ministry.

She said this new body would differ from the Fisheries Commission, which primarily served as a regulator.

Ms Arthur further said the Blue Economy Commission would focus on policy development, research, and fostering innovation in the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

“The Blue Economy Commission will examine how we can expand fisheries beyond its narrow scope. This includes fisheries, bioprospecting, seabed mining and other ocean-related activities,” she said.

Illegal mining

Responding to how illegal mining activities affect rivers resulting in mercury contamination and declining fish stocks, Ms Arthur said that would require an intersectoral approach involving multiple ministries such as Fisheries, Environment, Lands, Transport, and Science and Technology.

This effort, she said, would also require a cabinet-level task force.

Ms Arthur said when approved, she would collaborate with relevant ministries to address these issues comprehensively to enable the ministry to effectively manage aquaculture and related sectors. 

Improvements

Addressing the issue of how the government intended to deliver on its promises to implement aquaculture improvements, Ms Arthur reaffirmed her commitment to the NDC’s fisheries policy as outlined in the party’s manifesto.

She said aquaculture was a vital component of the NDC’s fisheries policy as it provided 60 per cent of Ghanaians’ protein needs.

Ms Arthur, however, indicated that marine and inland fish resources were depleting, adding that, “Currently, Ghana has only about six large-scale aquaculture farms, 14 medium-scale farms, and over 2,300 small-scale operations.”

To enhance aquaculture, Ms Arthur said her administration was committed to supporting, attracting, and facilitating funding for operators of aquaculture farms.

In addition, she said the ministry would collaborate with other stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, to explore and increase local production of maize and soybean to reduce the high cost of fish feed.

Women’s bank

On how to create opportunities for women in the fishing sector, Ms Arthur said through the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, the ministry would be able to provide small loans for fishmongers to improve their work.

She said her administration aimed to set up processing centres, adding that, “In the area of aquaculture, we envision significant investments in creating aquaculture farms equipped with cold storage facilities, refrigerated vans, and market linkages to bring suppliers and buyers together.”

Ms Arthur said the sector was women-dominated, adding that, “While men own most of the canoes, some women also own them.”

“Women play a significant role in the value chain by smoking, frying, and preparing the fish,” she added.

She further indicated that her administration would rebuild markets to support women in the fisheries industry to enable them to become more economically and socially empowered.  

Licences

Elaborating on the steps to ensure the licensing of vessels and operators within the ministry, Ms Arthur assured the committee that her administration would be fair and equitable to anyone deserving of a licence.

“Anyone deserving of a licence after following due process will receive one. However, we will also need to manage our resources carefully to prevent congestion in the sector,” she said.

Legacy

Ms Arthur said she would want to be remembered as the Fisheries Minister under whose tenure fisheries production increased.

“I also want to be remembered for integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches to improve the sector,” she added.

Furthermore, she would like to be remembered for being a minister who operationalised the long-awaited Fisheries College, which began in 2013.