Ghana’s Parliament has ratified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, signalling a renewed national commitment to curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

The ratification, championed through a joint memorandum by Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, marks Ghana’s formal endorsement of a global agreement adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.

The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is designed to eliminate harmful subsidies contributing to overfishing and IUU practices, particularly on the high seas and waters where fish stocks are overexploited or of unknown status.

The agreement introduces prohibitions on subsidies for IUU fishing and the exploitation of overfished stocks and grants transition periods to developing countries like Ghana.

Speaking on the decision, Hon. Emelia Arthur noted that, “The ratification of this Agreement aligns with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026), our national blueprint to restore marine fish stocks, enhance data collection, and improve enforcement. It also supports our broader efforts to build a resilient, equitable fisheries sector.”

Ghana’s fisheries sector remains a critical pillar of the national economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, and foreign exchange earnings. However, it faces severe challenges, including dwindling catches, fleet overcapacity, and environmental degradation.

The decision to ratify the WTO agreement comes at a pivotal time, as the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture prepares to implement the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a measure aimed at replenishing depleted fish stocks and sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities.

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According to the memorandum submitted to Parliament, ratification of the WTO Agreement is not only a requirement under Ghana’s constitutional process for international treaties but also a strategic move to level the playing field for Ghana’s artisanal and semi-industrial fishers, who face stiff competition from heavily subsidised industrial fleets from countries such as China, Japan, and the EU.

The agreement is also a step forward in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which calls for eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies by 2025.

Following today’s parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will transmit the Assent document to the WTO Secretariat, formalising Ghana’s commitment. The Ministry has also pledged to integrate the Agreement’s provisions into national legislation, with ongoing revisions to the country’s fisheries legal framework.

In the words of Minister Ofosu-Adjare, “This is not just a trade agreement; it is a pact to protect the future of Ghana’s marine resources and the millions who depend on them. Ratifying this Agreement reinforces Ghana’s standing as a responsible coastal and flag state, committed to fairness, sustainability, and international cooperation.”

As implementation begins, the government has assured stakeholders that continuous engagement will be prioritised to ensure broad understanding and practical application of the Agreement’s measures.

This development further positions Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries governance, particularly as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It underscores its dedication to both environmental stewardship and economic resilience.