Ghana risks a ban on fish exports to the European Union (EU) if the country does not take the necessary steps to sanitise its fishing space.
Already, the country has received two yellow cards from the EU — one in 2013 and another in 2021 — and should the problem persist by 2026, Ghana will receive a red card.
This warning was issued by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture, and Cocoa Affairs, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Accra on Friday.
The meeting was held to finalise a draft Fisheries Bill aimed at restoring order to Ghana’s fishing sector.
Dr. Jasaw noted that the country was cited for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on both occasions.
He explained that the draft bill, currently before the parliamentary committee, has made significant progress. However, he emphasised the need for input from stakeholders to help finalise the legislation so that Ghana can meet EU requirements and avoid a red card in 2026.
Value Chain Impact
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, in her welcome address, stated that three million Ghanaians depend on the fisheries value chain. She warned that a potential EU ban would have severe economic consequences.
She added that Ghana is one of the largest exporters of fish to the EU market, and a red card would severely impact export revenues.
Mrs. Arthur underscored the urgency for regulation and sanitisation of the fishing sector. She said the bill had been laid before Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
Once finalised, she said, the bill would be submitted to the EU and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for further contributions before being passed into law.
Stakeholder Concerns
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed concerns about the management of Ghana’s fishery resources, stressing the need for sustainable practices in line with international obligations.
Some participants called for stricter penalties for vessel captains who engage in illegal activities within Ghana’s waters. They argued that such individuals should not merely be repatriated to their home countries but must face the full rigours of Ghanaian law to deter future offenders.
The Bill
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which lapsed with the previous Parliament, is now under consideration by the current one. It contains 167 clauses and 170 sections.
The bill addresses various issues including inland fisheries management, aquaculture regulations, offences, and penalties.
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