Introduction

When President John Dramani Mahama announced his first batch of ministers, few appointments generated as much anticipation as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture. For years, stakeholders had expressed frustration over the absence of visionary leadership capable of addressing the sector’s complex ecological, economic, and governance challenges.

The nomination of Hon. Emelia Arthur a native of Shama and a respected development practitioner therefore sparked both optimism and debate. While many believed her community roots positioned her well for the role, others questioned her practical experience in fisheries management.

Her impressive performance during the ministerial vetting, however, quickly settled the debate. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the sector’s problems and articulated a clear, forward‑looking vision, earning widespread praise across traditional and social media.

1. Leadership Style & Early Engagement

Hon. Emelia Arthur assumed office on January 27, 2025, and immediately set a tone of accessibility, humility, and community‑centred leadership. She held introductory meetings with staff of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission, and the Premix Secretariat, followed by engagements with key stakeholder groups including GNCFC, GUTA, NAFTA, industrial trawler operators, OMCs, and BDCs.

Her leadership style marked by an open‑door policy and a down‑to‑earth approach has endeared her to fisherfolk nationwide. Unlike her predecessors, who often met fisherfolk representatives in Accra or regional capitals, she chose to visit landing beaches across the Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions within her first month in office.

• A memorable moment occurred at Poase near New Takoradi, where a woman remarked, “Minister iyi dze obra ne ho ase paa” (“This minister is very humble”) after Hon. Arthur walked through the community rather than drive her V8 to the meeting venue. Such gestures have strengthened her connection with coastal communities and enhanced trust in her leadership.

3. Policy Reforms & Sectoral Achievements of Government

3.1 Key Messages Delivered During Field Visits

No Closed Season for Artisanal Fishers

• Closed seasons will apply only to semi‑industrial and industrial fleets.
• Artisanal fishers must strictly observe traditional conservation practices, including the Tuesday fishing ban, which provides at least 48 non‑fishing days annually.
• Bans on light fishing, dynamite use, illegal nets, and all IUU practices will be strictly enforced.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and closed areas will be introduced to support stock recovery.
• Fish test kits will be deployed to detect illegal catches, with offenders prosecuted.
• Monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) will be intensified, including EMS on trawlers and LaBECs by the Marine Police.

Premix Fuel Reforms

• Immediate formation of Landing Beach Committees (LBCs).
• Resumption of premix supply directly to communities.
• Removal of district and regional premix coordinators to curb smuggling and hoarding.
• Installation of tracking devices on premix tankers.
• Enforcement of accountability for the 53% community development component.

Provision of Fishing Inputs
The government is committed to supplying subsidized nets, outboard motors, and other gear conditional on adherence to sustainable fishing practices.

Operationalising the Anomabo Fisheries College
Processes have begun to operationalize the long‑abandoned Anomabo Fisheries College, a key vision initiated under the late President Mills.

Integration of the 24‑Hour Economy Concept
Hon. Arthur aims to embed the 24‑hour economy concept into fisheries and aquaculture operations to boost productivity and job creation.

Establishing the Blue Economy Commission
She articulated a bold Blue Economy Initiative to sustainably harness Ghana’s marine and freshwater resources for economic transformation.

3.2 Major Achievements of the NDC Government in the Fisheries Sector After One Year

The Passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146)
One major significant achievement of the President Mahama-led administration within the fisheries sector is the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act, 1146) This landmark legislation:

• Establishes an Independent Fisheries Commission.
• Strengthens legal frameworks to align with international best practices.
• Introduces tougher sanctions against illegal fishing.
• Enhances safety and welfare standards for fishing crews.
• Expands the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles.

The Act is expected to safeguard over $425 million in annual seafood exports and reposition Ghana as a leader in sustainable fisheries governance.

National Blue Economy Strategy Approved

Cabinet approved Ghana’s first National Blue Economy Strategy, built around six pillars: Blue Wealth, Blue Health, Blue Knowledge, Blue Finance, Blue Equity, and Blue City. The national blue economy strategy is crucial for Ghana's development as it focuses on sustainable exploitation of ocean resources. Key benefits include:

• Empowerment of small-scale fishers, enhancing their livelihoods and reducing poverty in coastal areas.
• Economic growth through sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, which are vital to the country's socio-economic wellbeing.
• Environmental stewardship, promoting the health of marine ecosystems and addressing climate change.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which aim to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable practices.

Overall, the blue economy represents a sustainable approach to harnessing Ghana's marine resources, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.

Ratification of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

This strengthens global efforts against harmful subsidies and IUU fishing, aligning with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026).

Approval of Ghana’s First Marine Protected Area

A 700 km² MPA has been approved for the Greater Cape Three Points area to restore ecosystems and rebuild fish stocks.

Draft Inland Fisheries Management Plan (2026–2030)

Ghana’s first comprehensive inland fisheries plan has been developed, emphasizing sustainability and community participation.

Anomabo Fisheries College at 70% Completion

Construction has progressed significantly, with a draft curriculum and governance structure developed.

351 Landing Beach Committees Reconstituted

This enhances grassroots governance and ensures equitable premix distribution.

Increased Premix Supply

Between February and November 2025, 28.7 million litres of premix were supplied directly from TOR to landing beaches, eliminating intermediaries and reducing corruption.

Payment of GHS 91.2 Million Legacy Debt by Government
Government cleared outstanding debts owed to BDCs, restoring premix supply reliability and reducing fishing costs.

Expansion of Automated Premix Dispensing Sites

Automated sites increased from 42 to 57, equipped with modern monitoring technology to curb diversion and enhance transparency.

4. Governance & Accountability Measures

Hon. Emelia Arthur, in line with President Mahama’s vision of transparent and accountable governance has prioritized transparency and community accountability, particularly regarding premix fuel management under L.I. 2233.

Key governance measures include:

• Enforcing the requirement that 53% of premix margins be deposited into designated community development accounts.
• Conducting community accountability sessions in Sekondi, New Takoradi, Abuesi, and other areas.
• Reinforcing the role of LBCs as trustees—not owners—of premix fuel and its proceeds.
• Strengthening oversight to address weak record‑keeping, politicization of LBC structures, and limited community information.

These measures aim to rebuild trust, ensure equitable benefits, and promote responsible local governance.

5. Challenges facing the Fisheries Sector

Despite significant progress made by government within the fisheries sector, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including:

• Declining fish stocks and overfishing
• IUU fishing and weak MCS capacity
• Climate change impacts: rising sea temperatures, coastal erosion, pollution, plastic waste, and galamsey
• Underdeveloped aquaculture value chains
• High cost of aquaculture inputs, especially feed
• Disease outbreaks and biosecurity gaps
• Inadequate post‑harvest infrastructure and high losses
• Premix supply constraints linked to under‑recovery issues
• Implementation challenges with L.I. 2233
• Limited public and private sector funding
• Weak co‑management and community compliance

6. Government’s Strategic Outlook for the Fisheries Sector in 2026

Government priorities for 2026 within the fisheries sector include:

• Expanding aquaculture through the Volta Lake Blue Economy Aquaculture Park
• Supporting women and youth in aquaculture production and marketing
• Developing regulations to operationalize Act 1146
• Constructing modern fish markets at Dambai (Oti Region) and Daboase Junction (Western Region)
• Establishing the Blue Economy Commission
• Procuring and distributing approved nets and outboard motors
• Strengthening the Fisheries Enforcement Unit
• Constructing regional and zonal offices of the Fisheries Commission
• Deepening partnerships with international development organizations such as Oceana, Blue Ventures, Ocean 5, Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, and the University of British Columbia

7. Conclusion

On behalf of the NDC Government led by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his vision she represents, Hon. Emelia Arthur, a proud daughter of Shama, has brought renewed energy, humility, and strategic clarity to Ghana’s fisheries sector. Through bold reforms, community‑centred leadership, and a commitment to sustainable resource management, she is paving the way for a brighter future in this vital sector. As Ghana strives to rebuild its fish stocks, enhance governance, and tap into the potential of the blue economy, her leadership shines as a beacon of hope and guidance for coastal communities and the nation. Supporting her vision is crucial for securing the livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic opportunities that rely on Ghana’s marine and inland waters. This is the clarion call we must all embrace to stand together in shaping a fisheries sector that honours our heritage, protects our livelihoods, and secures a sustainable future for generations yet unborn. Honourable, ayeekoo!

Written by Dr. Eric Cobbinah, Ag. Deputy Executive Director

Fisheries Commission

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