The call for sweeping reforms in Africa’s fishing industry grew louder this week as union leaders, government officials, and international stakeholders gathered in Accra for the Africa Seafood Workers Conference, with Ghana’s recent policy milestones hailed as a model for the continent.
The event, organised by the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Associations (IUF-Africa) in partnership with the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) of the TUC, brought together representatives from across the seafood value chain to discuss how to make fisheries work safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive.
Ghana’s passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), coupled with its ratification of the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 188 (C188), was repeatedly cited as a benchmark for progress. The Act provides a modern framework for governance of fishing resources, while C188 sets out international standards for fishers’ rights, working conditions, health, and safety.
Nii Ismael Adjei Browne, a representative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, said the new Act positioned Ghana as a leader in building a “sustainable and inclusive blue economy.” He noted that it gave unions and fisherfolk greater roles in decision-making while underscoring Ghana’s commitment to responsible fishing practices and the dignity of workers.
But speakers also stressed that Ghana’s progress must inspire others. Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, urged African governments yet to ratify C188 to follow suit, warning that without enforceable protections, fish workers would continue to face exploitation, poor safety conditions, and child labour.
The conference provided space for sharing best practices, including Ghana’s acclaimed Torkor Model, which has been used to combat child labour in fishing communities. Delegates from across Africa discussed ways to replicate such initiatives and ensure unions are central to implementing new standards.
While celebrating Ghana’s achievements, participants acknowledged the continent-wide challenges that remain: weak enforcement, limited market access, cross-border trade barriers, and persistent child labour.
“The future of Africa’s seafood sector depends on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity,” Mr Browne said. “But we cannot achieve this vision in isolation. It requires collaboration across governments, industry players, civil society, and workers themselves.”
With fish providing livelihoods for millions across West Africa, stakeholders left the conference united around a call: Africa must not only harvest its oceans, but also protect the people who make the sector thrive.
