President John Dramani Mahama has announced that government has earmarked GH₵50 million for the purchase of outboard motors and essential fishing gear to support fishing communities across the country.
Speaking at the National Chief Fisherman and Queen Fishmonger’s Conference in Accra, the President said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s fisheries sector and improve the livelihoods of coastal and inland fishing communities.
He also revealed that government is acquiring two offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy to enhance maritime surveillance and intensify the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
As part of efforts to boost local fish trade, President Mahama announced plans to construct two new fish markets — one in Dambai in the Oti Region and another in Shama in the Western Region.
He noted that these investments complement the recently passed Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, which he described as a landmark piece of legislation that aligns Ghana with international best practices while strengthening governance and enforcement in the fisheries sector.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the industry, adding that government will work to restore and formalise the roles of Chief Fishermen and Queen Fishmongers through co-management structures and community bylaws to ensure sustainable fisheries management.
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