News Guide Africa

Tag: Fisheries Minister

  • Fisheries minister promises to promote best practices to secure Ghana’s seafood

    Emelia Arthur, Fisheries Minister designate

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Emelia Arthur, Fisheries and Aquaculture minister, has pledged her commitment to aligning the nation’s fisheries regulations with international standards to restore compliance and secure Ghana’s seafood.

     

    This, she believes, will also reverse the ‘yellow card’ Ghana currently holds against seafood exports to the European Union market.

     

    Many stakeholders in the fisheries industry are upbeat on their expectations. They have confidence she could deliver on the job.

     

    “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) activities in fisheries have earned Ghana a Yellow Card. The EU outlined a number of things that need to be sorted out so that the Yellow Card will be lifted. It is my understanding that those activities have begun,” she stated while answering a question during her vetting, last week.

     

    Arthur announced plans to revise the Fisheries Act (Act 625) as part of measures to address the issue. She noted that the current legislation inadequately addresses inland fisheries and aquaculture, which are critical to meeting the EU’s requirements.

     

    “We have to do the right things so that the trade will go on for the foreign exchange to come,” she said, stressing the urgency of the matter to protect the fishing industry, which contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy.

     

    Arthur revealed that the Yellow Card significantly impacts industrial fishers, particularly those involved in tuna exports—a sector that generates nearly $400 million annually for the country.

     

    The EU’s Yellow Card serves as a warning that Ghana risks losing access to the European seafood market if it fails to combat illegal fishing in its exclusive economic zone. A “Red Card,” the next step in the EU’s sanctions, would result in trade restrictions on seafood exports, severely affecting Ghana’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands in the fishing industry.

     

    In 2021, the European Union issued Ghana a second Yellow Card, citing inadequate efforts to combat illegal fishing. Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries, expressed concern over Ghana’s failure to implement necessary measures to meet international standards.

     

    With Ghana producing an estimated 448,200 metric tons of seafood annually, addressing the EU’s concerns is crucial to safeguarding both marine resources and the country’s access to global markets.

     

    Arthur highlighted the urgency of resolving the situation, underscoring the importance of sustainable fisheries management. She committed to working with stakeholders to implement necessary reforms, protect Ghana’s fishing industry, and maintain its position in the global seafood market.

     

    Her assurances offer hope for an industry that is not only vital to Ghana’s economy but also to the livelihoods of millions of citizens who depend on fisheries for sustenance and income

     

  • Fisheries sector stakeholders commends Mahama 

    Emelia Arthur, Fisheries Minister designate

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Stakeholders in the fisheries sector have commended President John Mahama and the NDC-led government for maintaining the Ministry of Fisheries.

     

    The stakeholders also extended appreciation to the president for nominating, Hon Emelia Arthur as the Fisheries Minister designate.

     

    The Covener of Fisheries Alliance, Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, described the nominee as well qualified in that capacity.

     

    “We look forward to working with Hon. Emelia Arthur, when she is approved to deliver the important policies in the NDC manifesto on fisheries”, Mr Yamoah indicated in a statement.

     

     

    Read statement below:

     

    Open letter to the President. H.E. John Mahama

     

    Mr. President, Fisheries Stakeholders Appreciate your Commitment to the Fisheries Sector

     

    We thank Mr. President for maintaining the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and nominating a very qualified minister designate Hon. Emelia Arthur for the sector

     

    Your Excellency, this shows your commitment to developing the fisheries sector and we are very much appreciative of this commitment.

     

    We look forward to working with Hon. Emelia Arthur, when she is approved to deliver the important policies in the NDC manifesto on fisheries including:

     

    · Mo-NE-YO initiative to promote the uptake of special pension schemes for informal sector workers that includes fishermen.

     

    · Revitalize, the fisheries and aquaculture sector and promote the development of the Blue Economy through the establishment of the Blue Economy Commission to sustainably harness and regulate our marine and freshwater resources

     

    · Provide resources to support research and development in the fisheries sector

     

    · Enforce laws to sustain fish stock and fishing practices

     

    · Improve education in fishing communities and develop alternative livelihoods for fisher folks to improve their well-being and reduce pressure on fish stocks.

     

    · Support landing beach Committees to create Fisheries Services Center (FiSC) to supply necessary equipment and services to fisher folks.

     

    We know Hon. Emelia Arthur, will be able to deliver because she has extensive experience in fisheries, agriculture, natural resources management and gender inclusion. She has worked with fisheries stakeholders and various NGOs and stakeholders in Ghana, particularly in her role as Deputy Regional Minister and the Shama District Chief Executive. Hon Emelia Arthur has been involved in supporting initiatives related to the fisheries sector in Ghana. She advocated for the construction of state-of-the-art fishing harbors and fish processing plants, indicating her commitment to enhancing the industry and creating job opportunities. She has been involved in various initiatives, including the establishment of an Agriculture Support Scheme to benefit local farmers, fishers and enhance agricultural development in the area.

     

    Hon. Emelia Arthur established the IADI (Integrated Agricultural Development Initiative) which has several key goals aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. These include:

     

    Boosting Food Security: Ensuring that communities have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food through improved agricultural and fishing practices.

    Promoting Sustainable Farming and fishing Practices: Encouraging environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural and fishing methods to protect natural resources.

    Increasing Farmer and fisher Incomes: Supporting farmers and fishers in increasing their yields and accessing markets to enhance their income potential.

    Empowering Farmers and Fishers: Providing training and resources to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers and fishers, particularly women and youth.

    Strengthening Agricultural and Fisheries Value Chains: Creating a more efficient agricultural system by connecting farmers and fishers with suppliers, processors, and markets.

    Facilitating Access to Finance: Helping farmers, fishers and agricultural businesses access funding and credit facilities to invest in their operations.

     

     

    Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah

    Convener:

    Fisheries Alliance / CSOs SDG 14 Platform