Story by George Yawson Vineh.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has expressed concern over low compliance with regulations governing Ghana’s fisheries industry.
She made these remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with members of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association and the Tuna Association of Ghana.
According to the Minister, adherence to Fisheries andAquaculture Acts 2025(Act1146) is critical to sustaining the country’s marine resources and protecting livelihoods within the sector.
She stressed that illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities continue to threaten fish stocks and undermine efforts to rebuild the industry.
The Minister noted that while the government has introduced several reforms and monitoring measures, the success of these initiatives depends heavily on cooperation from industry players.
She urged trawler operators and tuna companies to strictly follow licensing requirements, approved fishing methods, and reporting obligations.
On the oversight responsibility of Parliament’s Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, the Chairperson Honorable Godfred Seidu Jasaw underscored the importance of collaborations and open dialogue between government and industry players.
Hon. Jasaw also noted that Parliament’s role goes beyond passing laws, stressing that effective implementation depends on listening to those directly affected by new regulations. According to him, engagements such as this are critical to ensuring that the law is practical, fair, and responsive to the realities of the fisheries sector
The President of Ghana Industrial Tuna Association, Mr. Asamoah Danquah Dominic assured the Ministry of their commitment to working closely with authorities to improve compliance and support sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
The engagement organized by the sector Ministry was aimed at strengthening collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible fishing practices.