The government of Ghana is working on a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill aimed at improving the regulation of marine fishing and aquaculture practices. Once passed, this legislation will modernize and harmonize the management of the fisheries sector while promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. It also seeks to address the effects of climate change and protect aquatic habitats from degradation.
Speaking at a two-day workshop in Kumasi, Mr. Eric Baah, Director of Policy Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD), emphasized the importance of enhancing regulations in the sector. He highlighted that the new law will encourage responsible fishing practices, support aquaculture development, and ensure compliance with both national and international standards.
The workshop provided an opportunity for local fishermen and industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of a legal framework that will guide the sustainable use of the country’s aquatic resources. This engagement was essential in gathering ideas to form more effective policies for the sector.
Mr. Baah pointed out that inland fisheries and aquaculture are vital for Ghana’s food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development. These sectors provide an essential source of protein for millions of people and support job creation across the country. However, their sustainability is increasingly threatened by challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and unregulated aquaculture practices, including the use of harmful chemicals that have disrupted fish reproduction.
The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is designed to tackle these issues and bring about growth in the sector while safeguarding employment for approximately three million people who depend on marine resources. The law aims to boost the country’s food security and improve the well-being of families through the responsible management of fisheries.
Mr. Baah urged stakeholders to work together in charting a course toward a more prosperous future for the industry. He noted the sector’s potential for improving livelihoods if developed effectively.
Madam Doris Yeboah, a Legal Review Consultant for MOFAD, underscored the need for aquaculture operators to have waste disposal plans to minimize environmental damage. She stressed the importance of management and control measures to produce better outcomes in the sector. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, and Wildlife Division, is working to protect wetlands, preserve aquatic environments, and promote fish regeneration.
Additionally, Madam Yeboah noted that efforts to register and license fishing boats and canoes would be intensified to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Ghana’s waters.
Mr. Issifu Basideen, an aquaculture operator from Tamale, shared concerns about the difficulties in marketing fish in the northern region due to cultural beliefs. He urged the government to integrate aquaculture products into the School Feeding Programme to ensure a stable market for their fish. He also called for regulation of fish feed prices, which are currently posing a challenge for operators.
This new bill is expected to bring significant improvements to Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, ensuring both sustainability and growth.
Source: GBN
