Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Kobiaba Arthur has reaffirmed Ghana’s intensified efforts to tackle illegal activities plaguing its marine territories, with a renewed focus on cross-agency cooperation and regional collaboration.
Speaking to journalists at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and marine resources.
“All the illegal activities going on in the oceans we as Ghana, as a sovereign nation are committed to working as best as possible to deal with the issues,” she said.
“Especially through the Fisheries Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Defence under which maritime security falls, and the Ministry of the Interior, which oversees the Marine Police.”
The Minister acknowledged the vastness of Ghana’s maritime domain and the complexity of managing transnational waters, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.
She highlighted recent successes in maritime enforcement, referencing her experience aboard the French naval vessel Tonnerre, which intercepted illegal activities en route.
“It was an honour to be on the ship Tonnerre — amazing. And it’s worth noting that on their way, they even came across illegal activities on the ocean and dealt with it,” she said.
The Minister also lauded the current training programme at the Sirene Academy, noting the participation of Ghanaian personnel.
“I am happy to announce that there are three Ghanaians who are part of this training cohort one from the Ghana Navy, one from the Ghana Air Force, and the other from the Maritime Authority. Their capacities are being strengthened.”
She underscored the severe impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the country’s economy and national security.
“The activities of illegal fishing are affecting the country negatively it’s leading to fish stock depletion, reduced catches, and ultimately harming people’s livelihoods,” she explained.
She noted that Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector comprises some 14,000 canoes, each with a crew of at least ten.
“Each of those ten crew members has about ten dependents,” she said. “As fish stocks deplete, you are actually seeing these people affected socially and economically.”
To clamp down on illegal operations, she revealed that the Ministry has suspended the licences of four industrial fishing vessels for various infractions.
Additionally, individuals involved in unlawful practices are currently facing legal action.
“The Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), led by the Navy, has been out there dealing with wrongdoings, and we are dealing with them as best as we can,” the Minister stated.
She reiterated Ghana’s dedication to maritime security and sustainable fisheries management, calling for ongoing cooperation both domestically and across regional borders.