The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has called on stakeholders in the fisheries sector to support ongoing reforms aimed at restoring fish stocks, safeguarding coastal livelihoods, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources.
She made the appeal at the official launch of the Inshore Exclusion Zone Enforcement and Transparency (IEZET) project in Accra, an initiative designed to strengthen fisheries governance under the Fisheries Act 1146.
Mrs Arthur stressed that the success of the reforms depends on voluntary compliance and collective responsibility from all actors in the industry. She noted that the project comes at a critical time as government intensifies efforts to reverse declining fish stocks and improve regulation in the sector.
According to her, IEZET is not intended to punish or restrict livelihoods but to restore order, fairness, and sustainability within the fisheries space.
“The success of this project is inseparable from the full implementation of the new fisheries legislation. Together, they represent our commitment to restore our fisheries, protect livelihoods, and secure the future of our ocean,” she said.
She further addressed concerns surrounding the initiative, assuring stakeholders that conservation efforts would not undermine livelihoods. She emphasised that sustainability and economic survival must go hand in hand, particularly for coastal communities that depend heavily on fishing.
“Conservation cannot and will not come at the cost of people’s survival,” she stated, adding that government will continue to support alternative livelihood programmes, access to finance, and social protection, especially for women and young people in the sector.
The IEZET project is being implemented by a consortium led by the Ghana Fisheries and Global Action (GFRA), in partnership with Hen Mpoano and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). It seeks to enhance enforcement, transparency, and compliance within Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Board Chair of GFRA, Dr Jessica Nkansah, described the launch as a milestone in collective efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management. She said the success of the project will depend on strong collaboration among stakeholders.
“Our complementary strengths position us well for success, but this will only be achieved through shared responsibility and active cooperation,” she said.
Dr Nkansah reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation in delivering long-term improvements to both marine conservation and coastal livelihoods.
