Tuesday 28 April, 2026
Story by George Yawson Vineh
The Government of Ghana has announced that marine artisanal canoe fishers will be exempted from the 2026 closed fishing season, a move aimed at protecting livelihoods while sustaining efforts to rebuild declining fish stocks.
The decision was disclosed by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Honorable Emelia Arthur during a stakeholder engagement at the Tema Canoe Basin on April 28, 2026. According to the sector Minister, the exemption is intended to cushion artisanal fishers—who form the backbone of the country’s fisheries sector—from economic hardship.
Artisanal canoe fishers play a critical role in Ghana’s food security, contributing about 80 percent of fish consumed locally and supplying roughly 60 percent of the nation’s animal protein intake. The government believes exempting them from the annual closure will help sustain incomes in coastal communities while broader conservation measures continue.
Despite the exemption, authorities have emphasized that canoe fishers must strictly comply with all fisheries regulations. Illegal practices such as light fishing, the use of dynamite, and other forms of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing remain prohibited and will attract sanctions.
Meanwhile, the closed season will still apply to other segments of the fishing industry. Industrial trawl vessels are expected to observe a two-month closure from July 1 to August 31, while semi-industrial inshore vessels will shut down operations from July 1 to July 31.
The government says the closed season policy is based on scientific advice and is designed to allow fish stocks to regenerate during critical breeding periods. Enforcement will be strengthened this year, with offenders facing penalties under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025.
As part of broader reforms, the Ministry is also developing a Fishers Protection Package, which is expected to include vessel licensing, tracking systems, insurance for fishing assets, and social security support for fishers. Access to certain government benefits, including premix fuel subsidies, may be tied to participation in this programme.
While many stakeholders have welcomed the exemption, some experts have raised concerns that excluding artisanal fishers could undermine efforts to fully replenish fish stocks, calling for a more inclusive conservation approach across all fishing sectors.
Overall, the policy reflects government’s attempt to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and the economic realities of coastal fishing communities.